The Indian travel and tourism industry, which has been already reeling under the impact of the global slowdown, could next be a victim of the swine flu outbreak. India issued a travel advisory on Monday asking citizens to avoid ‘non-essential travel’ to New Zealand, Mexico, the US, Canada, Spain, France and Britain. Among these countries, the US and the UK are the biggest destinations for Indian travellers.
Moreover, a team of doctors has been stationed at the nine major international airports to screen all the inbound tourists especially from these countries. Considering that it is unclear when the disease would be contained, the travel industry could witness cancellations and a further drop in the business.
“Most of the corporate travel is undertaken by professionals from the IT & the ITeS industry and the US and the UK are their biggest markets. So, definitely outbound travel will get impacted,” said Praveen Gandhi, CEO, Carlson Wagonlit Travel India, one of the largest corporate travel companies in India. He added that corporates take these advisories pretty seriously.
For leisure travel, Mexico and Spain are not very popular among Indians. However, the US, UK and France are some of the biggest attractions for people on holiday from India. “Though it is non-season in New Zealand right now, Indians are travelling to the country as it is summer vacations here. However, people travelling with family and kids are likely put a hold on their plans after the advisory,” said Pradeep Lulla, president of the Travel Agents Federation of India.
Financial Express
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Travel loans take a beating as slump bites
There are few takers for travel loans, say tour operators, even as the season for outbound travel has set in. They attribute the contraction in demand to the economic slowdown and higher interest rates for travel loans.
People usually opt for travel loans for outbound travel, especially to destinations like Europe, US, Australia and New Zealand among others. Summer holidays (April-July) account for 60% of the total outbound travel in a year. Last year 10 million Indians travelled abroad.
Says Karan Anand, head, relationships and supplier management at Cox & Kings, "The concept of travel loans is still at a nascent stage. But it was beginning to catch up. However, we don't expect to see the same kind of growth we saw last year.'' Last year only 5-7% of the total travellers opted for a travel loan, as many consider travelling abroad as a luxury. Cox & Kings has an arrangement with Citibank for the same.
Travel firms also say that travel loans, which are clubbed under the personal loan segment, is not a top priority for banks. Though there is enough liquidity in the banking system, banks are reluctant to disburse loans which they fear could be on the default category. Another reason why travellers are not keen on borrowing is that personal loans comes with a higher interest rate (12-19%) as compared to housing, auto or education loan among others. Also, operators feel that people may be hesitant to undertake expensive holidays, that too with a higher interest rate, considering that India Inc has slashed pays and also there are job cuts.
Bankers, however, maintained that they don't have any data on travel loans, as they club it along with personal loans. "We don't offer travel loans. Anyone who applies for a personal loan can use it for whatever purpose he wants to. We don't ask them any questions,'' said an official with a foreign bank. "All we look at is the person's credentials, history, his repaying capacity,'' he added. According to another private lender, banks may not be too keen to disburse personal loans as they are unsecured and carry a heavy default risk. "When somebody is going through financial difficulties, he or she is not likely to default on the housing loan. Most likely they are going to default on their personal loans first, then the car loan and only then they would think of defaulting on the housing loan. That is why personal loans are considered risky by banks,'' he said
Times Of India
People usually opt for travel loans for outbound travel, especially to destinations like Europe, US, Australia and New Zealand among others. Summer holidays (April-July) account for 60% of the total outbound travel in a year. Last year 10 million Indians travelled abroad.
Says Karan Anand, head, relationships and supplier management at Cox & Kings, "The concept of travel loans is still at a nascent stage. But it was beginning to catch up. However, we don't expect to see the same kind of growth we saw last year.'' Last year only 5-7% of the total travellers opted for a travel loan, as many consider travelling abroad as a luxury. Cox & Kings has an arrangement with Citibank for the same.
Travel firms also say that travel loans, which are clubbed under the personal loan segment, is not a top priority for banks. Though there is enough liquidity in the banking system, banks are reluctant to disburse loans which they fear could be on the default category. Another reason why travellers are not keen on borrowing is that personal loans comes with a higher interest rate (12-19%) as compared to housing, auto or education loan among others. Also, operators feel that people may be hesitant to undertake expensive holidays, that too with a higher interest rate, considering that India Inc has slashed pays and also there are job cuts.
Bankers, however, maintained that they don't have any data on travel loans, as they club it along with personal loans. "We don't offer travel loans. Anyone who applies for a personal loan can use it for whatever purpose he wants to. We don't ask them any questions,'' said an official with a foreign bank. "All we look at is the person's credentials, history, his repaying capacity,'' he added. According to another private lender, banks may not be too keen to disburse personal loans as they are unsecured and carry a heavy default risk. "When somebody is going through financial difficulties, he or she is not likely to default on the housing loan. Most likely they are going to default on their personal loans first, then the car loan and only then they would think of defaulting on the housing loan. That is why personal loans are considered risky by banks,'' he said
Times Of India
Economic slowdown changing travel trends, say experts.
The economic downturn is unlikely to affect the Indian tourism industry but only trigger a change of travel trends and preferences in the market, according to industry experts. “Now travellers lay more emphasis on the location choice as compared to the brand,” ITC hotels division chief executive Nakul Anand said at a tourism conclave held Thursday ahead of India’s oldest travel and tourism mart, SATTE 2009.
“People want guilt-free holidays these days, due to recession and other such factors. The concept of volun-tourism has also come up, wherein people go to new places and voluntarily associate themselves with a social cause while enjoying their stay and travel,” Anand added.
Richard Bangs, co-founder of the US-based adventure travel operator Mountain Travel, stressed that while the slowdown had left many jobless, there was still a large segment which had time and money to invest in travel.
“Conventionally, there were two types of travellers - time rich, cash poor and cash rich, time poor. After the recession there are people who are time and cash rich,” said Bangs, considered one of the founders of adventure tourism.
“Many of them invest their time and money in safaris in the African continent. India is a new potential market segment to tap,” he stressed while speaking at a session on the significance of niche and luxury tourism.
Deep Kalra, chief executive of popular travel portal Makemytrip.com, said the industry had to also focus on the market demand.
“During this economic slowdown, people haven’t really cut down on their travelling. Their way of travelling has changed. Now most people prefer shorter but frequent trips instead of taking really long breaks at once. So the industry needs to work on this.”
The two-day SATTE 2009 mart starting Friday is the 16th edition of the event that over the years has grown to become a leading travel exchange platform in Asia. Organisers estimate a 20 percent increase in overseas buyers, interested in promoting the rich heritage of “Incredible India” abroad, this year.
Summing up India’s position in the industry, Naveen Berry, chief coordinator of SATTE said: “A recently released report by a leading global audit and consulting firm pegs the worth of the Indian tourism business at $42.8 billion annually by 2017 (from the present level of $27 billion).”
Asian Age
“People want guilt-free holidays these days, due to recession and other such factors. The concept of volun-tourism has also come up, wherein people go to new places and voluntarily associate themselves with a social cause while enjoying their stay and travel,” Anand added.
Richard Bangs, co-founder of the US-based adventure travel operator Mountain Travel, stressed that while the slowdown had left many jobless, there was still a large segment which had time and money to invest in travel.
“Conventionally, there were two types of travellers - time rich, cash poor and cash rich, time poor. After the recession there are people who are time and cash rich,” said Bangs, considered one of the founders of adventure tourism.
“Many of them invest their time and money in safaris in the African continent. India is a new potential market segment to tap,” he stressed while speaking at a session on the significance of niche and luxury tourism.
Deep Kalra, chief executive of popular travel portal Makemytrip.com, said the industry had to also focus on the market demand.
“During this economic slowdown, people haven’t really cut down on their travelling. Their way of travelling has changed. Now most people prefer shorter but frequent trips instead of taking really long breaks at once. So the industry needs to work on this.”
The two-day SATTE 2009 mart starting Friday is the 16th edition of the event that over the years has grown to become a leading travel exchange platform in Asia. Organisers estimate a 20 percent increase in overseas buyers, interested in promoting the rich heritage of “Incredible India” abroad, this year.
Summing up India’s position in the industry, Naveen Berry, chief coordinator of SATTE said: “A recently released report by a leading global audit and consulting firm pegs the worth of the Indian tourism business at $42.8 billion annually by 2017 (from the present level of $27 billion).”
Asian Age
Tourist arrivals to India to grow
In these tough times, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has some encouragement for India’s travel and tourism industry.
The ‘PATA Tourism Forecasts 2009-2011’, published this month, say that international tourist arrivals to India this year will exceed 5.5 million. And international arrivals to India will grow to over 5.9 million in 2010 and cross 6.3 million by 2011, the report adds. It also predicts that the average annual growth rate in international arrivals to India will be 5.85 per cent in the 2007-2011 period and 7.46 per cent for 2009-10.
Cautious optimism
Overall, there is “some cause for cautious optimism” in the travel and tourism industry in the Asia-Pacific region, says Mr John Koldowski, Director of PATA’s Strategic Intelligence Centre. The organisation’s forecast suggests that international arrivals for many destinations in the region will grow, despite the global economic downturn. While growth rates may slow down, international arrival numbers are expected to remain largely positive, he adds.
According to the report, Sri Lanka is the only destination in South Asia likely to show a negative trend in international arrivals over the next couple of years. International arrivals to Sri Lanka are forecast to drop by 2.33 per cent in 2009-10 and grow marginally, by 0.67 per, cent in 2010-11, says the report.
Top destinations
India, China and Thailand are among the largest emerging outbound travel markets in the region, the report states. Singapore, the US and Malaysia are the top Asia-Pacific destinations for outbound tourists from India. Over 8,00,000 Indians are expected to visit Singapore this year; over 6,69,000 Indians are expected to visit the US and over 6,25,000 are expected to visit Malaysia this year. The growth in Indian visitors to Singapore, Malaysia and the US is set to continue till 2011, though by next year Malaysia seems set to overtake the US and become the second most popular Asia-Pacific destination for Indian tourists, the report adds.
PATA’s forecasts cover 41 countries in the Asia-Pacific region and are prepared using a proprietary forecasting model with the guidance of academics from Australia and Hong Kong
Business Line
The ‘PATA Tourism Forecasts 2009-2011’, published this month, say that international tourist arrivals to India this year will exceed 5.5 million. And international arrivals to India will grow to over 5.9 million in 2010 and cross 6.3 million by 2011, the report adds. It also predicts that the average annual growth rate in international arrivals to India will be 5.85 per cent in the 2007-2011 period and 7.46 per cent for 2009-10.
Cautious optimism
Overall, there is “some cause for cautious optimism” in the travel and tourism industry in the Asia-Pacific region, says Mr John Koldowski, Director of PATA’s Strategic Intelligence Centre. The organisation’s forecast suggests that international arrivals for many destinations in the region will grow, despite the global economic downturn. While growth rates may slow down, international arrival numbers are expected to remain largely positive, he adds.
According to the report, Sri Lanka is the only destination in South Asia likely to show a negative trend in international arrivals over the next couple of years. International arrivals to Sri Lanka are forecast to drop by 2.33 per cent in 2009-10 and grow marginally, by 0.67 per, cent in 2010-11, says the report.
Top destinations
India, China and Thailand are among the largest emerging outbound travel markets in the region, the report states. Singapore, the US and Malaysia are the top Asia-Pacific destinations for outbound tourists from India. Over 8,00,000 Indians are expected to visit Singapore this year; over 6,69,000 Indians are expected to visit the US and over 6,25,000 are expected to visit Malaysia this year. The growth in Indian visitors to Singapore, Malaysia and the US is set to continue till 2011, though by next year Malaysia seems set to overtake the US and become the second most popular Asia-Pacific destination for Indian tourists, the report adds.
PATA’s forecasts cover 41 countries in the Asia-Pacific region and are prepared using a proprietary forecasting model with the guidance of academics from Australia and Hong Kong
Business Line
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Three-day Goa Carnival begins
The annual Goa Carnival began with apex of excitement and frolic at Panaji.
Incidentally, this traditional and historical event is observed just prior to the commencement of the 40-day Lent period symbolising an austere lifestyle.
Incidentally, this traditional and historical event is observed just prior to the commencement of the 40-day Lent period symbolising an austere lifestyle.
Himachal Pradesh to introduce helicopter taxis
The Himachal Pradesh government is introducing heli-taxi services in tribal areas of the state to tap high-spending adventure tourists.
"The tourism department will invite technical and financial bids for the introduction of tourist helicopter services in various tourist resorts," Tourism Secretary Manisha Nanda said.
"The decision to start heli-taxi service in the state was taken at a cabinet meeting Wednesday. Of course, this will attract adventure tourists, both domestic and foreigners," she added.
Travel agents are happy with the decision, saying poor air connectivity within the state is proving a deterrence to the tourism market.
"The tourism department will invite technical and financial bids for the introduction of tourist helicopter services in various tourist resorts," Tourism Secretary Manisha Nanda said.
"The decision to start heli-taxi service in the state was taken at a cabinet meeting Wednesday. Of course, this will attract adventure tourists, both domestic and foreigners," she added.
Travel agents are happy with the decision, saying poor air connectivity within the state is proving a deterrence to the tourism market.
Kerala targets tourists from Swedan & Russia
Kerala is targeting Russian and Swedish tourists to beat the downturn feared this year, the government said Thursday.
According to a press release issued by the state tourism department, the state's tourism department participated at the Moscow International Travel and Tourism (MITT) exhibition from March 18-21 - and showcased Kerala's beaches, backwaters and houseboats - key attractions for tourists.
According to a press release issued by the state tourism department, the state's tourism department participated at the Moscow International Travel and Tourism (MITT) exhibition from March 18-21 - and showcased Kerala's beaches, backwaters and houseboats - key attractions for tourists.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Emirates Airline sticks to 5% commission for travel agents
Foreign operating to India seem to be divided over the issue of giving 5% commission to travel agents. While aviation major Singapore
Airlines has scrapped commission to agents, Gulf-based Emirates Airline has said it would continue to offer commission to agents in India at the existing rate of 5%. The move gives a new twist to the battle between agents and airlines, which are keen to cut costs.
Airlines has scrapped commission to agents, Gulf-based Emirates Airline has said it would continue to offer commission to agents in India at the existing rate of 5%. The move gives a new twist to the battle between agents and airlines, which are keen to cut costs.
Responsible Tourism In National Parks In India
The Travel Operators for Tigers (TOFT), a responsive campaign started by a group of Tour Operators, aspires to advocate, endorse and support better and responsible use of wilderness areas to all the professionals in wildlife tourism segment and visitors to wildlife parks in India. At present, it is working with lodges and resorts in six national parks of India — Jim Corbett in Uttarakhand, Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Panna & Pench in Madhya Pradesh, and Ranthambore in Rajasthan — to implement plans to promote responsible tourism.
TOFT - India Director, Abhishek Behl, told that the campaign is currently working with 29 Indian Destination Management Companies and approx. 60 hospitality players to develop tourism in these areas. The TOFT- India, with its innovative concept, also certifies and gives ratings called 'PUG rating' to lodges and hotels in wilderness regions. Such ratings are given to help the travelers visiting the national parks as to make better judgments on which lodges to stay.
These ratings are given considering the concept of Sustainable Tourism, which is based on three pillars - economic, sociological and ecological. The campaign aims to empower the local communities to get involved in wildlife tourism projects and set off low impact and sustainable development, to help in the conservation of the national parks and simultaneously help the communities through employment and business opportunities. It is taking steps to develop wildlife conservation and community support, together with waste and water management, trade cooperatives, local employment, fair wages and local enterprises and services.
TOFT is also working with the forest department so as to take steps where hospitality players can join and plan new policies, making a positive impact on the tourism industry, local communities and wildlife. Over and above, it is also working with Global Tiger Patrol (GTP), a conservation agency dedicated to the protection of the tiger, especially in India, to bring an end to poaching of tigers
TOFT - India Director, Abhishek Behl, told that the campaign is currently working with 29 Indian Destination Management Companies and approx. 60 hospitality players to develop tourism in these areas. The TOFT- India, with its innovative concept, also certifies and gives ratings called 'PUG rating' to lodges and hotels in wilderness regions. Such ratings are given to help the travelers visiting the national parks as to make better judgments on which lodges to stay.
These ratings are given considering the concept of Sustainable Tourism, which is based on three pillars - economic, sociological and ecological. The campaign aims to empower the local communities to get involved in wildlife tourism projects and set off low impact and sustainable development, to help in the conservation of the national parks and simultaneously help the communities through employment and business opportunities. It is taking steps to develop wildlife conservation and community support, together with waste and water management, trade cooperatives, local employment, fair wages and local enterprises and services.
TOFT is also working with the forest department so as to take steps where hospitality players can join and plan new policies, making a positive impact on the tourism industry, local communities and wildlife. Over and above, it is also working with Global Tiger Patrol (GTP), a conservation agency dedicated to the protection of the tiger, especially in India, to bring an end to poaching of tigers
Visit India 2009 Plan
In an effort to boost the confidence of visitors and tourists after the Mumbai attacks, the Union Ministry of Tourism, India is launching a new scheme 'Visit India 2009' offering various incentives to foreign tourists and tourism industry. These value addition services will be offered to tourists visiting the country during the period April 2009 - March 2010.
The proposed incentives would offer one complimentary international air passage for traveling companion, one night complimentary stay in the hotel booked by the traveler, complimentary sightseeing in any one city of their choice and a complimentary rural eco holiday. The idea is to provide one additional service for every service paid for, by the tourists with the help of top airlines and organizations like Hotel Association of India (HAI) and Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO).
All three major airlines of the country — Air India, Jet Airways and Kingfisher —have joined this endeavor of the government by providing the additional air passage for traveling companions. Furthermore, all member hotels of the HAI will be offering the service of complimentary night stay in the hotel booked by the tourist. Members of the IATO, an organization recognized by the Ministry of Tourism, will offer one complimentary local sightseeing tour in any one of the cities visited by the tourist.
The Department of Tourism also has plans to organize road shows in countries like Singapore, Canada, UK, Japan and Australia, in joint venture with the IATO. The ongoing year will see a rise in the advertisements and marketing through trade fairs and exhibitions to draw the attention of foreign tourists from across the world. Moreover, there are possibilities of constructing helipads in various places to introduce the helicopter services for the tourists.
The proposed incentives would offer one complimentary international air passage for traveling companion, one night complimentary stay in the hotel booked by the traveler, complimentary sightseeing in any one city of their choice and a complimentary rural eco holiday. The idea is to provide one additional service for every service paid for, by the tourists with the help of top airlines and organizations like Hotel Association of India (HAI) and Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO).
All three major airlines of the country — Air India, Jet Airways and Kingfisher —have joined this endeavor of the government by providing the additional air passage for traveling companions. Furthermore, all member hotels of the HAI will be offering the service of complimentary night stay in the hotel booked by the tourist. Members of the IATO, an organization recognized by the Ministry of Tourism, will offer one complimentary local sightseeing tour in any one of the cities visited by the tourist.
The Department of Tourism also has plans to organize road shows in countries like Singapore, Canada, UK, Japan and Australia, in joint venture with the IATO. The ongoing year will see a rise in the advertisements and marketing through trade fairs and exhibitions to draw the attention of foreign tourists from across the world. Moreover, there are possibilities of constructing helipads in various places to introduce the helicopter services for the tourists.
Hotel Leela Palace Kempinski Opens in Udaipur
The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has opened its first property in Rajasthan, India - The Leela Palace Kempinski Udaipur.
The Leela Palace Kempinski Udaipur is located amidst a stone walled city on the banks of the beautiful Lake Pichola. The hotel has 80 luxury rooms and suites. All the rooms and suites have been designed to offer uninterrupted and panoramic view of Udaipur, the heritage city, the Aravalli hills and the City Palace.
The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts group is known for their aesthetic sensibility combined with modern amenities. The Leela Palace Kempinski Udaipur truly reflects the essence of India.
The Leela Palace Kempinski Udaipur is located amidst a stone walled city on the banks of the beautiful Lake Pichola. The hotel has 80 luxury rooms and suites. All the rooms and suites have been designed to offer uninterrupted and panoramic view of Udaipur, the heritage city, the Aravalli hills and the City Palace.
The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts group is known for their aesthetic sensibility combined with modern amenities. The Leela Palace Kempinski Udaipur truly reflects the essence of India.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Foreign airlines offer special summer air fares
To counter recession and slow down in tour and travel business many foreign airlines are coming up with special fares ahead of summer World's holidays. People who were earlier postponing their trips because of the higher airfares have made the most of the opportunity and booked well in advance for their summer holidays since these are for a limited period. KLM is giving Delhi- London for Rs 9,900 excluding the taxes while Emirates is give Mumbai-Dubai-London for Rs 19,880. Thai Airways has come out with a fare of Rs 35,000 (inclusive of taxes) on the Mumbai-Sydney sector. However , this is only for the day flights out of Mumbai . Compared to this Qantas is offering a fare of Rs 51,939 (inclusive of taxes), this is from Mumbai to two cities in Australia. All these special fare are valid till 31 March,2009. Says Rajji Rai president Travel Agent Association of India (TAAI):” International airlines like Ethiad, British Airways, Cathay Pacific are seen offering more competitive prices than before for the various international destinations from India. Discounted airfares are more for destinations like Dubai, Frankfurt, Abu Dhabi, London, Bangkok, Hong Kong etc. Discounts that are being offered to passengers flying currently are basically a result of the global recession. Airlines have reduced prices as traveling has become less, in order to meet expenses and get more loads on flights, the airlines are coming up with special fares.” According to TAAI which is the apex body of tour and travel industry with more than 3200 agents as its members says that there has been a drop in summer packages to the tune of 30% to 35% this year as compared to last year. Sunday ET spoke to three leading international airlines , all agreed that discount are be offered to bring back the passengers. On the condition of anonymity one leading international airlines official said:” Overall there is a slowdown both in air and hotel industry . Many leading international airlines for certain period of time are offering attractive rates to woe the traveler. In fact the destination that these airlines is offering special fares are Europe, London and Dubai where this time of the year demand for travel is more.” Interestingly during these times carriers such as Air Asia, Sama Airlines and Scandinavian Airlines are adding India as its new destination . Many in the industry are hoping that the discount offered by foreign airlines will help increase the sales. India market is seen as a growing market for international air traffic and the current market size is $ 5 billion per year. With its present international travel market less than two percent of its total population, the country offers tremendous opportunities for the foreign airlines to be operative profitably in India. In fact many in travel and tour companies said passengers have adopted a policy of wait and watch. They are expecting that starting April airlines would announce new rates which could be less that what is offered now in the market. Says Richa Goyal Sikri director, Group Business Development, STIC Travel:” Due to the global economic crisis and traffic slowdown, international carriers have introduced special fares ahead of the summer holiday season in order to pick up the momentum and stimulate demand. Many are holding on to see if better deals come their way next month.”
Economic Times
Economic Times
Aviation industry faces problems in developing infra: Experts
The aviation industry is facing major challenges like environmental clearances, acquisition of land and "obstructive" rules in developing its infrastructure, industry experts feel. The experts had asked the government and the environment agencies to give clearances to the development of new airports keeping in view their contribution to the country's economy. "Land acquisition is one of the major challenges in expansion and development of airports, as it is limited," Asian Institute of Transport Development Director (Aviation) T R Kesherwani said at the India Infrastructure Summit'09 here today. Airlines can expand themselves by buying or leasing aircraft within a short period of time but airports can only increase their capacity by expanding themselves, he said. The new greenfield airport at Navi Mumbai has run into trouble over environmental clearances and there is a need for long-term masterplan for development of the aviation sector in the country, experts said. v Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) India CEO Kapil Kaul stressed on the need for upgradation of air safety and communication and navigational systems. "There are certain rules in the aviation sector, which are obstructing the growth. These rules need to be upgraded to meet the international standards," Kaul said. Emphasising on the urgent need of providing training to manpower, he said the industry is facing shortage of trained technical staffs and this should not be ignored. With the Indian aviation industry expected to grow two to three fold by 2020, he said about Rs 3,000 crore would be needed for the development of airports, while around Rs 8,000 crore would be required for airlines and others related services. Also, the number of passengers is likely to increase to 400-450 million by 2020 from 110 million currently and the number of scheduled aircraft is estimated to go up to 1,000-1,500 from 600 at present, while non-schedules ones would go up to 1,000 by then. "This will need a long-term Master Plan for development of aviation infrastructure in the country," Kaul said.
Financial Express
Financial Express
H-1B visa restrictions sunset 2 yrs from date of enactment
The US government’s controversial restriction on companies from hiring skilled foreign workers with non-immigrant H-1B visas will continue for only two years, the immigration department has said. As part of a stimulus package passed last month for revival of the economy, President Barack Obama signed a new law—Employ American Workers Act— which makes it difficult for the companies having received government bailout funds to hire H-1B foreign workers. However, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), in a circular issued with its invitation of H1-B applications for the next fiscal, has now made it clear that the EAWA requirements are not permanent and would “sunset two years from the date of enactment.” EAWA, which prevents a company from displacing US workers when hiring H-1B specialty occupation workers if the company received stimulus funds, took effect on February 17, 2009 and it applies to any “hire” taking place before February 17, 2011. The Act defines “hire” as an employer permitting a new employee to commence a period of employment; that is, the introduction of a new employee to the employer’s US workforce. USCIS has said it would begin accepting H-1B visa applications from April 1 for the next fiscal 1 and would subject the applications to various terms and conditions. Total such visas to be issued in the fiscal, beginning October 1, would remain capped at 65,000. Besides, USCIS would also consider the first 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of foreigners who have earned a US masters’ degree or higher education. The new law has created an uproar in Indian IT space, as professionals from the country form the majority of people going to the US on H1-B visa to work in IT-related functions at banking and financial services firms. The financial services firms are the main recipients of the stimulus packages in the US and would be therefore subjected to various restrictions in hiring H1-B visa holders.An H-1B non-immigrant is a foreign national who comes to the United States temporarily to work in a specialty occupation. A specialty occupation position is one that generally requires a bachelor’s or higher degree and specialized knowledge. US businesses use the H-1B program to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields, such as scientists, engineers, or computer programmers. USCIS said that it was revising its application form for non-immigrant workers to include a question asking whether the petitioner employer had Under EAWA, any company that has received covered funding and seeks to hire H-1B workers is considered to be an “H-1B dependent employer” and such employers would now required to make additional attestations to the US Department of Labour, while filing a Labor Condition Application (LCA). These include, the company’s steps to recruit US workers using industry-wide standards and offering compensation that is at least as great as those offered to the H-1B non-immigrant. The company would also have to attest that it had offered the job to any US worker who applied and was equally or better qualified for the job that is intended for the H-1B non-immigrant. Besides, the company should not have “displaced” any US worker employed within the period beginning 90 days prior to the filing of the H-1B petition and ending 90 days after its filing. A US worker is displaced if the worker is laid off from a job that is essentially the equivalent of the job for which an H-1B non-immigrant is sought. The company would also have to declare that it would not place an H-1B worker to work for another employer unless it has inquired whether the other employer has displaced or will displace a US worker within 90 days before or after the placement of the H-1B worker. Under EAWA, any company that has received covered funding and seeks to hire H-1B workers is considered to be an “H-1B dependent employer” and such employers would now required to make additional attestations to the US Department of Labour, while filing a Labor Condition Application (LCA). These include, the company’s steps to recruit US workers using industry-wide standards and offering compensation that is at least as great as those offered to the H-1B non-immigrant. The company would also have to attest that it had offered the job to any US worker who applied and was equally or better qualified for the job that is intended for the H-1B non-immigrant. Besides, the company should not have “displaced” any US worker employed within the period beginning 90 days prior to the filing of the H-1B petition and ending 90 days after its filing. A US worker is displaced if the worker is laid off from a job that is essentially the equivalent of the job for which an H-1B non-immigrant is sought. The company would also have to declare that it would not place an H-1B worker to work for another employer unless it has inquired whether the other employer has displaced or will displace a US worker within 90 days before or after the placement of the H-1B worker.
Financial Express
Financial Express
Monday, April 20, 2009
Historic tilt: Leaning tower at Pisa
or some, even imperfections bring fame. Be it Hollywood action star Sylvester Stallone's lower lip or Sri Lankan cricketer Muthaiah
Muralitharan's arm, there are people who have become legends thanks partly to blemishes. So there I was on a pleasant morning in Rome buckling up to visit one such architectural imperfection.
I was headed for Pisa enroute to Florence in a week-long Italian backpacking sojourn. For many of you who don't know, there are actually more than 25 known leaning towers in the world including some in China. But none is as famous as the six century-old bell tower of the cathedral at Pisa.
I had about a week in Italy at my disposal and had planned to visit Rome, Pisa, Florence and Venice in a whirlwind trip. Lot many people visit Pisa as a day trip from Florence. But since I was short of time, packing a round-trip did not appear too taxing.
Friends from the virtual world advised that it was better to spend the night at Florence rather than Pisa. It’s not far from Florence and Pisa and there are pretty frequent trains connecting the two places. Tickets on the route have to booked at the station counter, as they are akin to local trains back home.So the final itinerary was to visit Pisa on my way to Florence.
As in the rest of Europe (at least the Western block) tourist infrastructure is immaculate. Politics in Italy could be as instable as the mental state of religious zealots operating in India, but the country sure has an extensive and efficient train transport system.
One-way ticket between Rome and Pisa in second class coach costs around 28 and gives enough leg space to comfortably breeze through two hours of Tuscan countryside. The train, which runs along the sea for some distance, provides an amazing sight in the quiet laid-back Tuscan sun. The journey takes around two hours.
Though I cannot think of keeping luggage at a cloakroom in any airport leave alone train station in India, I had no such scruples for Pisa. After depositing the backpack at the station, I was off to check out the tower. There are two ways of reaching the tower. You may take a bus next to the station or take a short relaxed walk through the middle of the town, as Pisa is hardly a city, size-wise .
I had about four hours before I caught the next train to Florence. Since most cities in Europe are as big as 2-3 adjacent colonies in an Indian city it was an easy walk to the Piazza del Duomo or the Cathedral Square (also known as Piazza dei Miracoli or Square of Miracles ) where the tower is located. Fully armed with a tripod and the old-world charm of a manual SLR camera I was off through the narrow streets of Pisa.
The weather was perfect with just the right dollop of sunshine. Midway I stopped at a gelateria which served an amazing triple cone of home-made gelato, or the Italian ice cream. Having tasted it in small boutiques across Rome as a regular dessert after my slice of pizza for three straight nights, this one was denser and came with the best ever flavour I have ever had.No doubt, whether in India or abroad, the best food is cooked in small nooks far away from the madness of larger joints.
After a 20 minute walk from the station I was there, staring at the white marble tower tiltig amazingly to what the guidebooks told me was the southwest direction. The tower's construction started in 1173 but was completed nearly 200 years later due to design glitches and intervening wars. It was supposed to be like any normal tall standing bell tower next to the 'duomo' or the cathedral.
Over time the leaning tower has made it the most visited attraction for tourists, much more than the other two beautiful buildings at the Piazza del Duomo – the cathedral and the baptistry. The tower has seven heavy bells one for each scale of music. The tilt itself is believed to be due to the characteristics of the sub-soil where the tower's foundation is laid.
And believe me, even without the tilt, the white round bell tower would have been a spectacular sight. It looks really beautiful with white balustrades and the tower standing serenely on a blanket of freshly cropped grass.
ET
I was headed for Pisa enroute to Florence in a week-long Italian backpacking sojourn. For many of you who don't know, there are actually more than 25 known leaning towers in the world including some in China. But none is as famous as the six century-old bell tower of the cathedral at Pisa.
I had about a week in Italy at my disposal and had planned to visit Rome, Pisa, Florence and Venice in a whirlwind trip. Lot many people visit Pisa as a day trip from Florence. But since I was short of time, packing a round-trip did not appear too taxing.
Friends from the virtual world advised that it was better to spend the night at Florence rather than Pisa. It’s not far from Florence and Pisa and there are pretty frequent trains connecting the two places. Tickets on the route have to booked at the station counter, as they are akin to local trains back home.So the final itinerary was to visit Pisa on my way to Florence.
As in the rest of Europe (at least the Western block) tourist infrastructure is immaculate. Politics in Italy could be as instable as the mental state of religious zealots operating in India, but the country sure has an extensive and efficient train transport system.
One-way ticket between Rome and Pisa in second class coach costs around 28 and gives enough leg space to comfortably breeze through two hours of Tuscan countryside. The train, which runs along the sea for some distance, provides an amazing sight in the quiet laid-back Tuscan sun. The journey takes around two hours.
Though I cannot think of keeping luggage at a cloakroom in any airport leave alone train station in India, I had no such scruples for Pisa. After depositing the backpack at the station, I was off to check out the tower. There are two ways of reaching the tower. You may take a bus next to the station or take a short relaxed walk through the middle of the town, as Pisa is hardly a city, size-wise .
I had about four hours before I caught the next train to Florence. Since most cities in Europe are as big as 2-3 adjacent colonies in an Indian city it was an easy walk to the Piazza del Duomo or the Cathedral Square (also known as Piazza dei Miracoli or Square of Miracles ) where the tower is located. Fully armed with a tripod and the old-world charm of a manual SLR camera I was off through the narrow streets of Pisa.
The weather was perfect with just the right dollop of sunshine. Midway I stopped at a gelateria which served an amazing triple cone of home-made gelato, or the Italian ice cream. Having tasted it in small boutiques across Rome as a regular dessert after my slice of pizza for three straight nights, this one was denser and came with the best ever flavour I have ever had.No doubt, whether in India or abroad, the best food is cooked in small nooks far away from the madness of larger joints.
After a 20 minute walk from the station I was there, staring at the white marble tower tiltig amazingly to what the guidebooks told me was the southwest direction. The tower's construction started in 1173 but was completed nearly 200 years later due to design glitches and intervening wars. It was supposed to be like any normal tall standing bell tower next to the 'duomo' or the cathedral.
Over time the leaning tower has made it the most visited attraction for tourists, much more than the other two beautiful buildings at the Piazza del Duomo – the cathedral and the baptistry. The tower has seven heavy bells one for each scale of music. The tilt itself is believed to be due to the characteristics of the sub-soil where the tower's foundation is laid.
And believe me, even without the tilt, the white round bell tower would have been a spectacular sight. It looks really beautiful with white balustrades and the tower standing serenely on a blanket of freshly cropped grass.
ET
A time to travel
For the first time in quite a while, the traveller is truly king. As summer approaches, the chill of recession is still making the tourism,
airline and hospitality industries shiver; the result is better-than-ever-before deals for you and me.
Soothing verdure of Kumaon Hills
After a flight from Mumbai and a seven-hour drive from Delhi, we checked into paradise. Bhimtal has suffered from a degree of obscurity because
of its more flamboyant cousin, Nainital, but that evening, it preened for us, revelling in a sunset of beauty and drama.
We relaxed on the sun deck of Fishermen's Lodge, virtually cantilevered over the lake that shimmered like shards of glass. The interplay of looming mountains hemming a mysterious grey-green lake and a sky more vast than the ocean took our breath away. The clamour of birds roosting for the night rose above the dense veil of quietude that the resort was wrapped in.
Indoors, we basked in the warmth of the fireplace and the owners' hospitality - Bunti Bakshi and Bindu Sethi - who made each one of us feel like house guests rather than hotel guests! We retired after dinner which was a lavish, leisurely affair and hung around briefly to join the sing-a-long when Bunti, a warm, friendly sardar, belted out his favourite numbers while another guest strummed the guitar.
Bhimtal, by the way, is said to have been named after Bhim of the Mahabharat epic. There’s even a temple dedicated to him, Bhimeshwara Mahadev Temple, by the bank of Bhimtal lake as the Pandava is said to have visited this area during his banishment (vanvas). We don’t know when Bhim trod these parts but the best time to visit Bhimtal is from mid-April to mid-July and from mid-September to October!
In Bhimtal, we lived on unhurried mountain time and woke up to a magnificent view of the lake that rippled dark-green beyond our large picture window. Later, we headed for the great outdoors and discovered that Bhimtal lacks the artifice of a busy tourist resort. Here lush green is threaded with the blue of lakes. But don't ask locals the names of these water bodies for your questions will be met with disarmingly vague answers!
So we drove to Garur Lake, that some call Panna Lake, cupped in a green hollow and cast a line in the rippling waters. While Bunti waxed lyrical about how fishing is essentially about communing with nature, we preferred to communicate with the feral spirits of the forest!
We strolled into the sun-dappled velvet core of the woods and stumbled on an open-air church — a white cross backlit by the lake and the sun, with amphitheatre-like seating hewn into the bank. As we sat on a flat stone and meditated on the beautiful tableau, leaves floated down like confetti, almost as if in divine blessing.
The forest beckoned and up above us, trees stretched their arms as though in prayer. As we walked, the crunch of dry amber leaves underfoot was the only sound. We came upon a low-slung, green-roofed building of brown stone, the Sat Tal Ashram set up by a Dr E Stanley Jones in 1930 "for all who sincerely desire to find God." Yes, that would be easy in this green and perfect enclave, devoid of jarring intrusions and stripped of worldly cares.
The forest trails were narrow and so we stopped in a clearing, laid out yoga mats and did a spot of deep breathing, feeling a sense of pagan delight in nature's embrace. Later, we quaffed beer and wine and devoured the contents of a picnic hamper and snoozed under the hospitable green canopy of tall sentinel-like trees.
Our days at Bhimtal were infused with a piney fragrance, the taste of home-made bread and cakes, the feel of the wind wafting through pine and cedar, picking wild flowers in the forest...
Another cherished memory of our sojourn was mountain biking down from the village of Jangaliya Gaon on narrow mountain paths, squeezed like a quick intake of breath. Ever so often we would stop to admire the Himalayan long tail bird and to marvel at views of dark green valleys lightened with the silvery gleam of Naukuchiya Tal or the nine-cornered lake below. Dusk slammed down abruptly around us, like a curtain drawn across a lively stage performance. Our mountain biking adventure was over as we hoisted our two wheelers onto the accompanying vehicle but the night was still young. So we star gazed for a bit with child-like wonder.
Heaven on earth is an evanescent thing and so on our last day, we decided to make the most of our trip by driving to colonial Ranikhet and then to the village of Majkhali, the location of Bunti and Bindu's hilltop home.
We drove down roads that coiled around the waist of muscled mountains, spattered with the blood-red hues of newly emerged rhododendrons, to arrive at a quaint stone cottage with the air of a much-loved family home. Here we got a glimpse of a lifestyle of weekend parties and family get-togethers bubbling with the warmth of emotional re-unions.
In the kerchief-sized garden, mauve and majenta iris, pink azaleas and other extravagantly-hued flowers nodded in the sun while we lunched al fresco on a wholesome repast that reminded us of delicious meals prepared by khansamas in forest rest houses!
Later as we lay on the grass and gazed at birds flitting overhead, we wished we could have stayed at the same spot forever. Wasn't this how all the world should be?
ET
We relaxed on the sun deck of Fishermen's Lodge, virtually cantilevered over the lake that shimmered like shards of glass. The interplay of looming mountains hemming a mysterious grey-green lake and a sky more vast than the ocean took our breath away. The clamour of birds roosting for the night rose above the dense veil of quietude that the resort was wrapped in.
Indoors, we basked in the warmth of the fireplace and the owners' hospitality - Bunti Bakshi and Bindu Sethi - who made each one of us feel like house guests rather than hotel guests! We retired after dinner which was a lavish, leisurely affair and hung around briefly to join the sing-a-long when Bunti, a warm, friendly sardar, belted out his favourite numbers while another guest strummed the guitar.
Bhimtal, by the way, is said to have been named after Bhim of the Mahabharat epic. There’s even a temple dedicated to him, Bhimeshwara Mahadev Temple, by the bank of Bhimtal lake as the Pandava is said to have visited this area during his banishment (vanvas). We don’t know when Bhim trod these parts but the best time to visit Bhimtal is from mid-April to mid-July and from mid-September to October!
In Bhimtal, we lived on unhurried mountain time and woke up to a magnificent view of the lake that rippled dark-green beyond our large picture window. Later, we headed for the great outdoors and discovered that Bhimtal lacks the artifice of a busy tourist resort. Here lush green is threaded with the blue of lakes. But don't ask locals the names of these water bodies for your questions will be met with disarmingly vague answers!
So we drove to Garur Lake, that some call Panna Lake, cupped in a green hollow and cast a line in the rippling waters. While Bunti waxed lyrical about how fishing is essentially about communing with nature, we preferred to communicate with the feral spirits of the forest!
We strolled into the sun-dappled velvet core of the woods and stumbled on an open-air church — a white cross backlit by the lake and the sun, with amphitheatre-like seating hewn into the bank. As we sat on a flat stone and meditated on the beautiful tableau, leaves floated down like confetti, almost as if in divine blessing.
The forest beckoned and up above us, trees stretched their arms as though in prayer. As we walked, the crunch of dry amber leaves underfoot was the only sound. We came upon a low-slung, green-roofed building of brown stone, the Sat Tal Ashram set up by a Dr E Stanley Jones in 1930 "for all who sincerely desire to find God." Yes, that would be easy in this green and perfect enclave, devoid of jarring intrusions and stripped of worldly cares.
The forest trails were narrow and so we stopped in a clearing, laid out yoga mats and did a spot of deep breathing, feeling a sense of pagan delight in nature's embrace. Later, we quaffed beer and wine and devoured the contents of a picnic hamper and snoozed under the hospitable green canopy of tall sentinel-like trees.
Our days at Bhimtal were infused with a piney fragrance, the taste of home-made bread and cakes, the feel of the wind wafting through pine and cedar, picking wild flowers in the forest...
Another cherished memory of our sojourn was mountain biking down from the village of Jangaliya Gaon on narrow mountain paths, squeezed like a quick intake of breath. Ever so often we would stop to admire the Himalayan long tail bird and to marvel at views of dark green valleys lightened with the silvery gleam of Naukuchiya Tal or the nine-cornered lake below. Dusk slammed down abruptly around us, like a curtain drawn across a lively stage performance. Our mountain biking adventure was over as we hoisted our two wheelers onto the accompanying vehicle but the night was still young. So we star gazed for a bit with child-like wonder.
Heaven on earth is an evanescent thing and so on our last day, we decided to make the most of our trip by driving to colonial Ranikhet and then to the village of Majkhali, the location of Bunti and Bindu's hilltop home.
We drove down roads that coiled around the waist of muscled mountains, spattered with the blood-red hues of newly emerged rhododendrons, to arrive at a quaint stone cottage with the air of a much-loved family home. Here we got a glimpse of a lifestyle of weekend parties and family get-togethers bubbling with the warmth of emotional re-unions.
In the kerchief-sized garden, mauve and majenta iris, pink azaleas and other extravagantly-hued flowers nodded in the sun while we lunched al fresco on a wholesome repast that reminded us of delicious meals prepared by khansamas in forest rest houses!
Later as we lay on the grass and gazed at birds flitting overhead, we wished we could have stayed at the same spot forever. Wasn't this how all the world should be?
ET
Kingfisher likely to be official partner for IPL-2
Industry sources told Business Line, “Kingfisher Airlines was the official partner for IPL last year. And this time around too, it is almost imminent that Kingfisher will be the official carrier.”
While the Bangalore-based airline does not fly to South Africa, the details are being worked out on the arrangements it will make to ferry people there.
No domestic airline from India flies to South Africa. However, it being domestic league some enquiries have been made with certain Indian carriers. “Jet Airways has received initial queries about operating charters to South Africa for the IPL season 2. However, at this point in time, we cannot confirm anything,” said a statement from the Mr Naresh Goyal-owned carrier.
Among foreign carriers too, only South African Airways has direct flights. Emirates, Qatar Airways, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and Egypt Air also fly to South Africa from India, but via different routes.
Apart from being the official airline in IPL season 1, Kingfisher Airlines had also bagged the rights for being the Official Umpire Partner for the league and sponsored all third umpire decisions during the 59 matches.
Business Line
While the Bangalore-based airline does not fly to South Africa, the details are being worked out on the arrangements it will make to ferry people there.
No domestic airline from India flies to South Africa. However, it being domestic league some enquiries have been made with certain Indian carriers. “Jet Airways has received initial queries about operating charters to South Africa for the IPL season 2. However, at this point in time, we cannot confirm anything,” said a statement from the Mr Naresh Goyal-owned carrier.
Among foreign carriers too, only South African Airways has direct flights. Emirates, Qatar Airways, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and Egypt Air also fly to South Africa from India, but via different routes.
Apart from being the official airline in IPL season 1, Kingfisher Airlines had also bagged the rights for being the Official Umpire Partner for the league and sponsored all third umpire decisions during the 59 matches.
Business Line
Now, high life and holidays on a budget
ow about a 15-day trip to the US for less than a lakh, return air fare, hotel, sightseeing and most meals included ? The trip would take in Niagara Falls, Washington DC, New York, Orlando, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas. Or how about six days and five nights in Kashmir's picturesque Srinagar, Sonmarg, Gulmarg and Pahalgam for little more than Rs 10,000?
Pick up any newspaper — huge advertisements invite customers to travel India or the globe with unmissable bargains. Some sound too good to be true. For instance, a Thai package that cost between Rs 25 and-28,000 last year is half-price now. Some packages offer free travel for the wife and one child below 12. Others offer 50% cashback. For those who can afford it, vacationing is part of the good life. But with the retrenching and resulting lost wages, travel companies know they need to offer incentives to go on holiday.
Sonam Singh of Carnation Holidays says that the turnout at travel fairs illustrates these new hard times. "Last year there were many new companies offering good deals and packages and trying to establish themselves. But the number of companies participating in the fair this year was just 25% compared to last year," she says.
Travel companies say they've created bargain packages for summer holidays by doing better deals with hotels and airlines. Vishal Suri of Thomas Cook says, "We have been able to effect a marginal 5-10% reduction in terms of price vis-a-vis last year in certain destinations or the prices have remained at the same levels as last year Our endeavour is to give the customer reason to travel even in these times".
Despite the discounts and cashback deals, not everyone can afford a luxury holiday to the US or Australia. So travel companies are rolling out small economy packages to neighbourhood destinations. Kashmira Commissariat of Kuoni India says, "This is the perfect opportunity to promote exotic places in India, theme based and experimental holidays." Suri agrees. "We are promoting more short-haul destinations. We are also coming out with weekend promotions to places which do not need a visa," he says.
But are travellers taking the bait? Commissariat says Kuoni gets as many enquiries as before. But Singh says they are not flooded with queries like last year. Management consultant Arvind K Singhal says the big picture is that urban India, which is the one that travels, is apprehensive "about the state of the economy and the elections. Can the Indian traveller overcome that fear? Only time and travel firms' balance sheets will tell.
Times Of India
Pick up any newspaper — huge advertisements invite customers to travel India or the globe with unmissable bargains. Some sound too good to be true. For instance, a Thai package that cost between Rs 25 and-28,000 last year is half-price now. Some packages offer free travel for the wife and one child below 12. Others offer 50% cashback. For those who can afford it, vacationing is part of the good life. But with the retrenching and resulting lost wages, travel companies know they need to offer incentives to go on holiday.
Sonam Singh of Carnation Holidays says that the turnout at travel fairs illustrates these new hard times. "Last year there were many new companies offering good deals and packages and trying to establish themselves. But the number of companies participating in the fair this year was just 25% compared to last year," she says.
Travel companies say they've created bargain packages for summer holidays by doing better deals with hotels and airlines. Vishal Suri of Thomas Cook says, "We have been able to effect a marginal 5-10% reduction in terms of price vis-a-vis last year in certain destinations or the prices have remained at the same levels as last year Our endeavour is to give the customer reason to travel even in these times".
Despite the discounts and cashback deals, not everyone can afford a luxury holiday to the US or Australia. So travel companies are rolling out small economy packages to neighbourhood destinations. Kashmira Commissariat of Kuoni India says, "This is the perfect opportunity to promote exotic places in India, theme based and experimental holidays." Suri agrees. "We are promoting more short-haul destinations. We are also coming out with weekend promotions to places which do not need a visa," he says.
But are travellers taking the bait? Commissariat says Kuoni gets as many enquiries as before. But Singh says they are not flooded with queries like last year. Management consultant Arvind K Singhal says the big picture is that urban India, which is the one that travels, is apprehensive "about the state of the economy and the elections. Can the Indian traveller overcome that fear? Only time and travel firms' balance sheets will tell.
Times Of India
Travel agents not enthusiastic about IPL
The slowdown and logistics involved in getting to South Africa, among other things, may not enthuse the Indian traveller from getting to the venues of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to cheer their favourite teams.
IPL is not an international tournament like the Twenty20 World Cup to be held in England a week after the IPL, which may draw sports enthusiasts. Besides, it would be difficult for foreign spectators to relate to very regional sounding teams such as Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Dare Devils or even the Rajasthan Royals, observes a travel agent. If the matches were held in Indian metros, it would cost the cricket-fan three times less the money he would fork out now to travel between venues in South Africa, a travel industry member said. Also, there is only South African Airways having direct flights from India. The expense to travel and stay in South Africa, further puts the IPL out of bounds, especially in the current environment of economic gloom.
“I don’t feel there is going to be much demand from India. Though some are marketing it very aggressively, but it is unlikely to draw much interest as the destination is expensive for normal times, and it is recession now,” said Mr Pradip Lulla, Acting President of Travel Agents Federation of India. Compact Travels’ Mr Subhash Motwani quips: “It (IPL) will eat a lot of newsprint and space in electronic media but nothing really for the travel market.”
Wooing the crowd
Nevertheless, it has not discouraged agents from wooing customers. About 5,000 packages for South Africa would be available for the next 2-3 months. And the Thomas Cooks, Carlsons and TCIs will hit the market with their offerings in the next few days, said Mr Rajinder Rai, President of Travel Agents Association of India. The starting price of packages, including air fares, would be around Rs 1 lakh, said Mr Rai. The return fare will begin from around Rs 40,000 and a 10-day-package would begin at around Rs 50,000.
Thomas Cook is still in the process of putting together packages, but Cox & Kings has some ongoing packages for South Africa. A seven-day package to Cape Town, Johannesburg and Sun City will cost Rs 65,674 a person, in addition to Rs 44,000 flight fare. While a 12-day trip to Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Sun City, Pretoria, Kruger National Park and Johannesburg would come for Rs 1,20,270 aperson, besides the airfare.
The Indian carriers, meanwhile, have received initial enquiries. Jet Airways told Business Line that it has received initial queries about operating charters to South Africa for the IPL season 2.
“However, at this point in time we cannot confirm anything,” the statement added. Responding to a similar query on whether Kingfisher Airlines, too, could forge an alliance with a carrier for ferrying people from Mumbai and Delhi for the IPL, the spokesperson said, “No announcement as yet. Work is in progress.”
Business Line
IPL is not an international tournament like the Twenty20 World Cup to be held in England a week after the IPL, which may draw sports enthusiasts. Besides, it would be difficult for foreign spectators to relate to very regional sounding teams such as Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Dare Devils or even the Rajasthan Royals, observes a travel agent. If the matches were held in Indian metros, it would cost the cricket-fan three times less the money he would fork out now to travel between venues in South Africa, a travel industry member said. Also, there is only South African Airways having direct flights from India. The expense to travel and stay in South Africa, further puts the IPL out of bounds, especially in the current environment of economic gloom.
“I don’t feel there is going to be much demand from India. Though some are marketing it very aggressively, but it is unlikely to draw much interest as the destination is expensive for normal times, and it is recession now,” said Mr Pradip Lulla, Acting President of Travel Agents Federation of India. Compact Travels’ Mr Subhash Motwani quips: “It (IPL) will eat a lot of newsprint and space in electronic media but nothing really for the travel market.”
Wooing the crowd
Nevertheless, it has not discouraged agents from wooing customers. About 5,000 packages for South Africa would be available for the next 2-3 months. And the Thomas Cooks, Carlsons and TCIs will hit the market with their offerings in the next few days, said Mr Rajinder Rai, President of Travel Agents Association of India. The starting price of packages, including air fares, would be around Rs 1 lakh, said Mr Rai. The return fare will begin from around Rs 40,000 and a 10-day-package would begin at around Rs 50,000.
Thomas Cook is still in the process of putting together packages, but Cox & Kings has some ongoing packages for South Africa. A seven-day package to Cape Town, Johannesburg and Sun City will cost Rs 65,674 a person, in addition to Rs 44,000 flight fare. While a 12-day trip to Cape Town, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Sun City, Pretoria, Kruger National Park and Johannesburg would come for Rs 1,20,270 aperson, besides the airfare.
The Indian carriers, meanwhile, have received initial enquiries. Jet Airways told Business Line that it has received initial queries about operating charters to South Africa for the IPL season 2.
“However, at this point in time we cannot confirm anything,” the statement added. Responding to a similar query on whether Kingfisher Airlines, too, could forge an alliance with a carrier for ferrying people from Mumbai and Delhi for the IPL, the spokesperson said, “No announcement as yet. Work is in progress.”
Business Line
Airlines cut surcharges to spur summer demand
Low-cost carriers SpiceJet and Indigo effected a cut last week, while Jet Airways and national carrier Air India followed this week. Industry sources said Kingfisher was evaluating a similar move from April.
Both SpiceJet and IndiGo have introduced an all-inclusive advance booking fare of Rs 1,722 for short-haul sectors, while the fare for long-haul sectors stands at Rs 2,700. Normally, the fuel surcharge for short-haul sectors itself is Rs 1,950, while the surcharge for the long-haul sectors is Rs 2,700.
This week, Jet Airways introduced advance booking fares starting from Rs 2,071 on all sectors, while its subsidiary and value-carrier, JetLite, introduced fares of Rs 1,722. Air India is offering fares between Rs 1,891 and Rs 2,611, inclusive of taxes and surcharges.
Most fares offered by carriers are valid for the entire summer season. However, like other special fares, airline executives admitted that only a limited inventory would be available in this case too.
“We have ten classes or buckets in our domestic flights. If our lowest bucket is selling well, we go to the next bucket, and so on,” said an Air India executive.
Airline executives said the increase in the number of passengers would not make up for the cut in fares.
“The fare cut we are going in for is just one airline reacting to the other. It may not lead to larger volumes,” said an airline executive.
Travel company executives said the results had started to show. “We have had a 20 per cent increase in bookings in the last three days and the increase has come solely from advance bookings. Apart from starting to stimulate the market, the move has also increased advance bookings, which is good news,” said Mohit Srivastava, head of online sales, Makemytrip.com.
Business Standard
Both SpiceJet and IndiGo have introduced an all-inclusive advance booking fare of Rs 1,722 for short-haul sectors, while the fare for long-haul sectors stands at Rs 2,700. Normally, the fuel surcharge for short-haul sectors itself is Rs 1,950, while the surcharge for the long-haul sectors is Rs 2,700.
This week, Jet Airways introduced advance booking fares starting from Rs 2,071 on all sectors, while its subsidiary and value-carrier, JetLite, introduced fares of Rs 1,722. Air India is offering fares between Rs 1,891 and Rs 2,611, inclusive of taxes and surcharges.
Most fares offered by carriers are valid for the entire summer season. However, like other special fares, airline executives admitted that only a limited inventory would be available in this case too.
“We have ten classes or buckets in our domestic flights. If our lowest bucket is selling well, we go to the next bucket, and so on,” said an Air India executive.
Airline executives said the increase in the number of passengers would not make up for the cut in fares.
“The fare cut we are going in for is just one airline reacting to the other. It may not lead to larger volumes,” said an airline executive.
Travel company executives said the results had started to show. “We have had a 20 per cent increase in bookings in the last three days and the increase has come solely from advance bookings. Apart from starting to stimulate the market, the move has also increased advance bookings, which is good news,” said Mohit Srivastava, head of online sales, Makemytrip.com.
Business Standard
Bespoke tourism
Good times or bad, people still get married. And some of them want to get married overseas, extended family and friends in tow.
To target such individuals, SOTC, a unit of Kuoni Travel (India) Pvt. Ltd, entered the business of wedding tours. “We are now getting into wedding tours, which boasts (a global market) as big as $10 billion (around Rs50,000 crore). We have already handled four-five wedding tours,” says P. Srinivas, senior vice-president (special interest tours), SOTC. Wedding tours are the latest in a long line of special-interest tours—a relatively new trend in the business. On offer are special domestic and international tours for women, bachelors, students, senior citizens, sport lovers, even wildlife lovers.
Srinivas claims it isn’t the tough times that are encouraging travel companies to diversify into special-interest tours. “There is a huge market which is still remaining untapped. There is no organized player in this niche travel segment. (Profit) margins are also good.” A senior executive with a Mumbai-based travel firm, who does not want to be identified, says profit margins are as high as 20-25% on customized tours.
According to Srinivas, Thailand, Malaysia and Dubai are the favourite destinations for wedding tours. “Indian families that used to organize weddings in Hyderabad, Goa and Jaipur are now looking at overseas destinations. A family spends an average Rs2 crore to Rs3 crore on a wedding tour.”
Apart from wedding tours, SOTC is also looking to increase its presence in the area of golf tours. Study tours, for executives and students, is another area in which travel firms are looking to expand their presence. “There are several study tours planned to Switzerland, France and Singapore. Recently, we took a group from (the) construction industry from India to Dubai,” says Srinivas.
Mumbai’s Kesari Tours Pvt. Ltd organizes student tours to Australia, Switzerland and Singapore and also offers customized tours for senior citizens and women.
Kesari’s tour packages for women only are branded “My Fair Lady” while SOTC’s are branded “Monalisa”. The Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, better known as Tourism Malaysia has also launched a package for women travellers and young mothers.
While these special-interest tours are catching on with customers, so-called community-based tours continue to be popular. These are tours where most members of the party are from a particular community and share dietary habits. For instance, SOTC recently launched a world tour aimed at Gujaratis in India. The tour comes with Indian vegetarian meals and a Gujarati-speaking tour manager.
Mint
To target such individuals, SOTC, a unit of Kuoni Travel (India) Pvt. Ltd, entered the business of wedding tours. “We are now getting into wedding tours, which boasts (a global market) as big as $10 billion (around Rs50,000 crore). We have already handled four-five wedding tours,” says P. Srinivas, senior vice-president (special interest tours), SOTC. Wedding tours are the latest in a long line of special-interest tours—a relatively new trend in the business. On offer are special domestic and international tours for women, bachelors, students, senior citizens, sport lovers, even wildlife lovers.
Srinivas claims it isn’t the tough times that are encouraging travel companies to diversify into special-interest tours. “There is a huge market which is still remaining untapped. There is no organized player in this niche travel segment. (Profit) margins are also good.” A senior executive with a Mumbai-based travel firm, who does not want to be identified, says profit margins are as high as 20-25% on customized tours.
According to Srinivas, Thailand, Malaysia and Dubai are the favourite destinations for wedding tours. “Indian families that used to organize weddings in Hyderabad, Goa and Jaipur are now looking at overseas destinations. A family spends an average Rs2 crore to Rs3 crore on a wedding tour.”
Apart from wedding tours, SOTC is also looking to increase its presence in the area of golf tours. Study tours, for executives and students, is another area in which travel firms are looking to expand their presence. “There are several study tours planned to Switzerland, France and Singapore. Recently, we took a group from (the) construction industry from India to Dubai,” says Srinivas.
Mumbai’s Kesari Tours Pvt. Ltd organizes student tours to Australia, Switzerland and Singapore and also offers customized tours for senior citizens and women.
Kesari’s tour packages for women only are branded “My Fair Lady” while SOTC’s are branded “Monalisa”. The Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, better known as Tourism Malaysia has also launched a package for women travellers and young mothers.
While these special-interest tours are catching on with customers, so-called community-based tours continue to be popular. These are tours where most members of the party are from a particular community and share dietary habits. For instance, SOTC recently launched a world tour aimed at Gujaratis in India. The tour comes with Indian vegetarian meals and a Gujarati-speaking tour manager.
Mint
Go online before you go offline
Before scooting off to your travel agent, give the Internet a chance to help you plan your trip. The net is a remarkable resource for travellers, with tools to do everything from booking tickets to planning walking tours to saving money on guide fees and museum audio tours. Here’s how you can click your way to a great bargain holiday:
How to fly
Sight and sound: Enjoy London’s National Gallery with an audio tour. Petey YorickThere are varieties of ticket deals out there but finding the cheapest one can be confusing. Which is why you should begin planning your trip at a reliable plain vanilla travel search engine such as the clean, efficient and Indian www.ixigo.com, or the more international www.kayak.com. The idea is not to actually book tickets but to find out the flights and fares available in your time-band of choice. Deals and discounts can come later. So at the time of writing this piece, iXiGO tells us that Delhi-London returns via Dubai on Emirates are going at around Rs22,700.
The next step is to see if you can save even more on a ticket booking website. Travelocity India, we notice, currently has an Rs2,000 discount on London tickets. So pop over there and indeed, the same Emirates tickets are available slightly cheaper at Rs21,320.
Two pieces of advice before you book your tickets though: First, always double check on the airline’s website to confirm flight timings and fares. In fact, booking directly on the airline website has the added benefit of letting you choose seats with legroom and the seafood dinner. Second, always be clear about the sort of discount or deal the booking website is giving you. There are straight discounts, cash-backs credited to your card account later and discount vouchers for future bookings. Read the fine print.
Yours truly secured a return ticket for two on the Delhi-London sector on Emirates (via Dubai) for a thrifty Rs46,000. Just eating all the in-flight meals, throwing back a few beers and watching every movie on their entertainment system is worth the investment.
What to do Guidebooks are expensive and when you are on short holidays they don’t really help you prioritize.
Instead, tap into the publicly voted list of “Things To Do” on Tripadvisor.com. Popular cities such as London are well served by thousands of attractions and hundreds of ratings. And there are surprises. What can possibly rank higher on the list of London to-dos than the National Gallery and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre?
The Fat Tire Bike Tour of London is what. A quick browsing of the Fat Tire website and a brief, friendly email exchange later, you’re all set to see a big chunk of London on cycle with a qualified guide. All you need to do is assemble outside the Queensway tube station any day at 11am and you’re all set to go. Bicycles come as part of the £16 (Rs1,160) per head
Mint
How to fly
Sight and sound: Enjoy London’s National Gallery with an audio tour. Petey YorickThere are varieties of ticket deals out there but finding the cheapest one can be confusing. Which is why you should begin planning your trip at a reliable plain vanilla travel search engine such as the clean, efficient and Indian www.ixigo.com, or the more international www.kayak.com. The idea is not to actually book tickets but to find out the flights and fares available in your time-band of choice. Deals and discounts can come later. So at the time of writing this piece, iXiGO tells us that Delhi-London returns via Dubai on Emirates are going at around Rs22,700.
The next step is to see if you can save even more on a ticket booking website. Travelocity India, we notice, currently has an Rs2,000 discount on London tickets. So pop over there and indeed, the same Emirates tickets are available slightly cheaper at Rs21,320.
Two pieces of advice before you book your tickets though: First, always double check on the airline’s website to confirm flight timings and fares. In fact, booking directly on the airline website has the added benefit of letting you choose seats with legroom and the seafood dinner. Second, always be clear about the sort of discount or deal the booking website is giving you. There are straight discounts, cash-backs credited to your card account later and discount vouchers for future bookings. Read the fine print.
Yours truly secured a return ticket for two on the Delhi-London sector on Emirates (via Dubai) for a thrifty Rs46,000. Just eating all the in-flight meals, throwing back a few beers and watching every movie on their entertainment system is worth the investment.
What to do Guidebooks are expensive and when you are on short holidays they don’t really help you prioritize.
Instead, tap into the publicly voted list of “Things To Do” on Tripadvisor.com. Popular cities such as London are well served by thousands of attractions and hundreds of ratings. And there are surprises. What can possibly rank higher on the list of London to-dos than the National Gallery and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre?
The Fat Tire Bike Tour of London is what. A quick browsing of the Fat Tire website and a brief, friendly email exchange later, you’re all set to see a big chunk of London on cycle with a qualified guide. All you need to do is assemble outside the Queensway tube station any day at 11am and you’re all set to go. Bicycles come as part of the £16 (Rs1,160) per head
Mint
SpiceJet mulls launching international services
SpiceJet Ltd, a low-cost airline company, has denied talks with GoAir for either a merger or to acquire a controlling stake, terming the reports as speculation. It, however, said that it would look at acquisition when the environment turns ripe for consolidation.
“We are expecting consolidation will happen after 12 to 18 months. If and when it happens, we will be a buyer and not a seller,” Sanjay Aggarwal, Chief Executive Officer of SpiceJet, said.
WL Ross, the US-based investor who put in Rs 345 crore in the Delhi-based airline, is a long-term investor. SpiceJet sees no need for looking for more investors as it takes up expansion plans, including acquisitions.
Addressing a press conference here, he said the company was evaluating two plans — one to launch international services when it becomes eligible in May 2010 and the other to tap the potential in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. “It will take three months to get enough data to take a view on that,” he said.
Replying to a question on Jet Airways’ proposal that the industry should cut down on capacity, Aggarwal said his airline was not for capacity reduction. The company registered a growth of 12.5 per cent in February this year, against less than eight per cent in September last. SpiceJet was the largest carrier out of Delhi.
Business Line
“We are expecting consolidation will happen after 12 to 18 months. If and when it happens, we will be a buyer and not a seller,” Sanjay Aggarwal, Chief Executive Officer of SpiceJet, said.
WL Ross, the US-based investor who put in Rs 345 crore in the Delhi-based airline, is a long-term investor. SpiceJet sees no need for looking for more investors as it takes up expansion plans, including acquisitions.
Addressing a press conference here, he said the company was evaluating two plans — one to launch international services when it becomes eligible in May 2010 and the other to tap the potential in Tier-II and Tier-III cities. “It will take three months to get enough data to take a view on that,” he said.
Replying to a question on Jet Airways’ proposal that the industry should cut down on capacity, Aggarwal said his airline was not for capacity reduction. The company registered a growth of 12.5 per cent in February this year, against less than eight per cent in September last. SpiceJet was the largest carrier out of Delhi.
Business Line
Travel companies cash in on long weekends this year
Long weekend expeditions or short haul holidays have emerged as a popular trend in leisure travel. With 2009 having the maximum of long weekends — as many as 14 — compared to the last two years, tour operators are cashing in on this opportunity. They say the time-pressed corporate professionals and the double income no kid (DINK) couples are opting for domestic destinations over foreign shores as the economic slump bites both travellers and holiday planners alike.
Tour operators said that the response to weekend packages is encouraging and positive as travellers take advantage of bargain deals. Prices of travel packages have come down by 15-20%. In comparison to the first four months of 2008, the scale weighed equally on domestic and international destinations.
To beat the sweltering summer heat, people are largely heading to hill stations such as Mount Abu, Shimla and Coorg. And among international destinations, they are jetting off to Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Dubai for a weekend of shopping, partying, indulgence and rejuvenation.
"These destinations are a hit with last-minute holiday-makers because of its easy accessibility and visa-on-arrival procedures," says Kashmira Commissariat, head, outbound division, Kuoni India.
Dubai scores on connectivity as it is just three hours away from Mumbai, for Hong Kong it has a visa-on-arrival facility and for Thailand there are no visa fees.
"Weekend holiday as a concept is catching up. It caters to those who don't have time to take a longer holiday and also to those who believe that a short break is good enough," says Karan Anand, head, relationships and supplier management, Cox and Kings.
Ashish Goyal, a management executive with a large FMCG firm takes more short leisure trips as compared to a long vacation. "It is a quick gateway to beat the stress," Goyal opines.
Post the Good Friday weekend, travel firms are betting on the upcoming May Day weekend. People typically combine Thursday or Friday with the weekend for holidaying as against the weekend being combined with Monday or Tuesday, says Noel Swain, vice president, marketing, Cleartrip.com.
Kavi Ghei, director, TRAC Representations — a company that represents several international boards like Malaysia, Mauritius and British Virgin Islands — says that credit -crunched consumers can make the most of the competitive deals offered by the airlines and hotels worldwide. What's more, these are well supported by international tourism organisations.
Travel firms booking trends indicate that tier II & tier III cities, which are less impacted by the meltdown, are driving the demand. Weekend travellers prefer destinations that are 5 to 6 hours from their home and take advantage of discounts and special offers like apex airfares, hotel room rates while planning their short trip.
Times of India
Tour operators said that the response to weekend packages is encouraging and positive as travellers take advantage of bargain deals. Prices of travel packages have come down by 15-20%. In comparison to the first four months of 2008, the scale weighed equally on domestic and international destinations.
To beat the sweltering summer heat, people are largely heading to hill stations such as Mount Abu, Shimla and Coorg. And among international destinations, they are jetting off to Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Dubai for a weekend of shopping, partying, indulgence and rejuvenation.
"These destinations are a hit with last-minute holiday-makers because of its easy accessibility and visa-on-arrival procedures," says Kashmira Commissariat, head, outbound division, Kuoni India.
Dubai scores on connectivity as it is just three hours away from Mumbai, for Hong Kong it has a visa-on-arrival facility and for Thailand there are no visa fees.
"Weekend holiday as a concept is catching up. It caters to those who don't have time to take a longer holiday and also to those who believe that a short break is good enough," says Karan Anand, head, relationships and supplier management, Cox and Kings.
Ashish Goyal, a management executive with a large FMCG firm takes more short leisure trips as compared to a long vacation. "It is a quick gateway to beat the stress," Goyal opines.
Post the Good Friday weekend, travel firms are betting on the upcoming May Day weekend. People typically combine Thursday or Friday with the weekend for holidaying as against the weekend being combined with Monday or Tuesday, says Noel Swain, vice president, marketing, Cleartrip.com.
Kavi Ghei, director, TRAC Representations — a company that represents several international boards like Malaysia, Mauritius and British Virgin Islands — says that credit -crunched consumers can make the most of the competitive deals offered by the airlines and hotels worldwide. What's more, these are well supported by international tourism organisations.
Travel firms booking trends indicate that tier II & tier III cities, which are less impacted by the meltdown, are driving the demand. Weekend travellers prefer destinations that are 5 to 6 hours from their home and take advantage of discounts and special offers like apex airfares, hotel room rates while planning their short trip.
Times of India
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Search: Keyword Price BS Headlines Author BS Entire Site Web
Global hotel chains are lining up to open properties in India at a time the sector is grappling with falling occupancy levels and declining average room rents, forcing local developers and hoteliers to defer projects.
Companies, including MGM Mirage Hospitality, Wyndham Hotel Group, Langham Hotels International and Corinthia Hotels and Resorts, are finalising plans to launch their brands in the country in the next two-three years. Hotel chains such as Dubai-based Jumeirah Group, Movenpick Hotels and Resorts and Swissotel Hotels and Resorts are also close to finalising their plans for India.
Industry experts say as many as 37 international hotels brands are knocking at India’s doors.
“India is one of the biggest growth markets in the world. We will build 15 new hotels in the country in five destinations,” Jean Gabriel Peres, president and chief executive officer, Movenpick Hotels and Resorts, said on the sidelines of the Hotel Investment Conference – South Asia (HICSA).
The world’s largest gaming company, MGM Grand, which forayed into the hospitality sector with three premium luxury brands, is finalising its India plans. The company has held discussions with Indian real estate players for this.
Micheal Evans, executive vice-president, global development, MGM Mirage Hospitality, said, “We are focusing on Asia, especially India, for growth opportunities. We are in advanced talks with our Indian partners for launching all our brands in India.”
Bellagio is MGM’s super luxury brand, on a par with a Four Season property, whereas the MGM Grand is positioned a tad below that, and can be compared with the Grand Hyatt, according to Evans.
The company is building properties in Mumbai and New Delhi to start with, which can become operational in the next three years depending on the realty partner.
The Wyndham group, which operates the Ramada brand, a four-star hotel in India, is also planning to launch its Days Inn and Super 8 brands. “We have a robust plan in the pipeline for the Ramada brand. In addition, we will bring some of our other brands,’’ said Sunil Mathur, director, international development (Indian Ocean).
In all, the company plans to add 50 hotels of three brands in the next three years. It will bring other brands at a later stage.
Similarly, Hong Kong-headquartered Langham Hotels is looking to take full advantage of the favourable economic scenario in the country, where raw material and construction prices have been sliding continuously. The country, which is constructing a property at Pune’s Koregaon Park, is eyeing further expansion in the country.
Helmut Knipp, senior vice-president (development), Langham Hotels International, said, “Although the Indian market is growing at a slower pace, it can go a long way. We have to look at developers who have a steady income rather than depend on just real estate. With the cost of construction down, this is perhaps the best time to enter India.”
Conrinthia Hotels and Resorts, a lesser-known small brand, is also keen to have hotel properties in the country. “The company is currently looking at India as a potential market”, said a senior official from the company.
BS
Companies, including MGM Mirage Hospitality, Wyndham Hotel Group, Langham Hotels International and Corinthia Hotels and Resorts, are finalising plans to launch their brands in the country in the next two-three years. Hotel chains such as Dubai-based Jumeirah Group, Movenpick Hotels and Resorts and Swissotel Hotels and Resorts are also close to finalising their plans for India.
Industry experts say as many as 37 international hotels brands are knocking at India’s doors.
“India is one of the biggest growth markets in the world. We will build 15 new hotels in the country in five destinations,” Jean Gabriel Peres, president and chief executive officer, Movenpick Hotels and Resorts, said on the sidelines of the Hotel Investment Conference – South Asia (HICSA).
The world’s largest gaming company, MGM Grand, which forayed into the hospitality sector with three premium luxury brands, is finalising its India plans. The company has held discussions with Indian real estate players for this.
Micheal Evans, executive vice-president, global development, MGM Mirage Hospitality, said, “We are focusing on Asia, especially India, for growth opportunities. We are in advanced talks with our Indian partners for launching all our brands in India.”
Bellagio is MGM’s super luxury brand, on a par with a Four Season property, whereas the MGM Grand is positioned a tad below that, and can be compared with the Grand Hyatt, according to Evans.
The company is building properties in Mumbai and New Delhi to start with, which can become operational in the next three years depending on the realty partner.
The Wyndham group, which operates the Ramada brand, a four-star hotel in India, is also planning to launch its Days Inn and Super 8 brands. “We have a robust plan in the pipeline for the Ramada brand. In addition, we will bring some of our other brands,’’ said Sunil Mathur, director, international development (Indian Ocean).
In all, the company plans to add 50 hotels of three brands in the next three years. It will bring other brands at a later stage.
Similarly, Hong Kong-headquartered Langham Hotels is looking to take full advantage of the favourable economic scenario in the country, where raw material and construction prices have been sliding continuously. The country, which is constructing a property at Pune’s Koregaon Park, is eyeing further expansion in the country.
Helmut Knipp, senior vice-president (development), Langham Hotels International, said, “Although the Indian market is growing at a slower pace, it can go a long way. We have to look at developers who have a steady income rather than depend on just real estate. With the cost of construction down, this is perhaps the best time to enter India.”
Conrinthia Hotels and Resorts, a lesser-known small brand, is also keen to have hotel properties in the country. “The company is currently looking at India as a potential market”, said a senior official from the company.
BS
Phrasebook t-shirt to help travellers
If you’re a keen traveller heading to exotic destinations this summer, then you will need these cool travel-friendly accessories which will make your journey truly enjoyable.
The first of these neat items is called the traveller’s phrasebook t-shirt. It uses the same pictograms that one can see on international signs across the globe, helping bring communication down to its most basic level. The t-shirt has a question mark sign in the centre surrounded by small signs that signify the basic necessities of a traveller such as an airport, ATM, hospital etc. The person wearing the t-shirt has to just point at the question mark followed by the place they want to go to. Available in red, black and grey for both men and women, it’s a must for smart travellers.
"I bought this t-shirt since I am planning to travel to France this summer and I can’t speak a word of French. It will not only help me around the country, but will also help me make some new friends," says Kaiser Mohammed, a businessman.
The second item that is a must for every traveller regardless of his or her destination is a combination of cargos and hooded jacket. This helps keep the valuable belongings of the person away from unwanted attention. The secret pockets of the cargos also help prevent the traveller from dropping any of his belongings by mistake.
"I bought one of these when I was on my way to Delhi. While I was travelling on the train, someone robbed me of my purse and the ticket that I had in my pockets. But luckily, I had my phone in one of the secret pockets, so I could to call my family for help," says Sidhart Mishra, an IT professional.
AA
The first of these neat items is called the traveller’s phrasebook t-shirt. It uses the same pictograms that one can see on international signs across the globe, helping bring communication down to its most basic level. The t-shirt has a question mark sign in the centre surrounded by small signs that signify the basic necessities of a traveller such as an airport, ATM, hospital etc. The person wearing the t-shirt has to just point at the question mark followed by the place they want to go to. Available in red, black and grey for both men and women, it’s a must for smart travellers.
"I bought this t-shirt since I am planning to travel to France this summer and I can’t speak a word of French. It will not only help me around the country, but will also help me make some new friends," says Kaiser Mohammed, a businessman.
The second item that is a must for every traveller regardless of his or her destination is a combination of cargos and hooded jacket. This helps keep the valuable belongings of the person away from unwanted attention. The secret pockets of the cargos also help prevent the traveller from dropping any of his belongings by mistake.
"I bought one of these when I was on my way to Delhi. While I was travelling on the train, someone robbed me of my purse and the ticket that I had in my pockets. But luckily, I had my phone in one of the secret pockets, so I could to call my family for help," says Sidhart Mishra, an IT professional.
AA
Singapore Airlines threatens to withdraw ticketing rights
The stand-off between India’s travel agents and Singapore Airlines Ltd has taken a new turn with the carrier threatening to withdraw ticketing rights.
Responding to this, Ajay Prakash, national general secretary of the Travel Agents’ Federation of India (Tafi), said: “We have got nearly 1,000 of letters from agents who are willing to voluntarily surrender the authority before Singapore Airlines ask us to do so.” The three-month old impasse is over the commission paid to agents on each ticket.
Singapore Airlines had earlier said it will not pay any commission on tickets sold and agents should charge a transaction fee from customers.
The tough stance adopted by Tafi notwithstanding, at least 12 large travel houses told Mint on condition of anonymity that they are willing to stop agitating and start ticketing for the airline. These travel houses include consolidators—agents who buy tickets in bulk from airline firms and sell them through sub-agents.
Also, some members of the Travel Agents’ Association of India (Taai) in Kolkata and Hyderabad have said they will not support the ongoing boycott of the airline.
“Some 35 members of our chapter signed a memorandum on 1 April saying they want to go back to ticketing for Singapore Airlines,” said Mahesh Neralkar, chairman of Taai’s Andhra Pradesh chapter. “We have already given the memorandum to the national committee of Taai and hopefully the Andhra Pradesh chapter of Taai will be doing business again with the airlines soon.”
In West Bengal, a person familiar with the development said agents there have decided to part ways with Taai and Tafi, which are leading the agitation against the airline. Devendra Pareikh, chairman of the West Bengal chapter, was not available for comment Taai is not taking the splintering well.
“The decision taken by 33 members of Kolkata Taai was totally illegal,” Rajinder Rai, president of Taai, told Mint. “We have summoned the chief of eastern chapter of Taai for such a decision and the management committee is holding an urgent meeting to resolve this. I reiterate that we are continuing the battle against Singapore Airlines.”
“We have already suspended the memberships of three members and will now issue show-cause notices asking for explanation why they are not supporting the association’s agitation,” said Pradeep Lulla, president of Tafi, adding that the associations have decided to take action against errant members.
“The faction in the Kolkata’s Taai chapter and Hyderabad is the signal of criticality of the battle,” said a senior executive from a Mumbai-based travel house who declined being named. He cautioned that agents may lose the fight if they don’t intensify their stir in a united manner, given that more foreign carriers are adopting the zero-commission model.
On Thursday, Rai said that Taai has sought intervention from political parties and the aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). “We are meeting the representatives of political parties,” he said without divulging a timeline or agenda. Late in 2008, Singapore Airlines decided to do away with the 5% commission on each ticket; in retaliation, at least half a dozen travel agents’ associations boycotted the carrier. The travel agents maintain that the zero-commission model will not work in India.
Other carriers, both domestic and international, had earlier gone back on their zero commission policy and agreed to a 3% commission on the gross fare.
“Airlines cannot impose many things in India just because that they are doing it in the US,” Prakash of Tafi said.
Lee Lik Hsin, regional vice-president, west Asia and Africa, for Singapore Airlines, admitted that the airline does pay commissions in some countries, including in China. “We are talking to Indian travel agents and transaction fee model is the future,” Hsin said.
Of the 72 international airlines operating in India currently, 16 are currently not paying commissions to agents. While a joint meeting of Taai and Tafi on 2 April was to decide on starting action against some of these airlines, that decision has now been deferred.
“We want to achieve results first in the Singapore Airlines agitation and only then take up some other issue,” Lulla said.
MINT
Responding to this, Ajay Prakash, national general secretary of the Travel Agents’ Federation of India (Tafi), said: “We have got nearly 1,000 of letters from agents who are willing to voluntarily surrender the authority before Singapore Airlines ask us to do so.” The three-month old impasse is over the commission paid to agents on each ticket.
Singapore Airlines had earlier said it will not pay any commission on tickets sold and agents should charge a transaction fee from customers.
The tough stance adopted by Tafi notwithstanding, at least 12 large travel houses told Mint on condition of anonymity that they are willing to stop agitating and start ticketing for the airline. These travel houses include consolidators—agents who buy tickets in bulk from airline firms and sell them through sub-agents.
Also, some members of the Travel Agents’ Association of India (Taai) in Kolkata and Hyderabad have said they will not support the ongoing boycott of the airline.
“Some 35 members of our chapter signed a memorandum on 1 April saying they want to go back to ticketing for Singapore Airlines,” said Mahesh Neralkar, chairman of Taai’s Andhra Pradesh chapter. “We have already given the memorandum to the national committee of Taai and hopefully the Andhra Pradesh chapter of Taai will be doing business again with the airlines soon.”
In West Bengal, a person familiar with the development said agents there have decided to part ways with Taai and Tafi, which are leading the agitation against the airline. Devendra Pareikh, chairman of the West Bengal chapter, was not available for comment Taai is not taking the splintering well.
“The decision taken by 33 members of Kolkata Taai was totally illegal,” Rajinder Rai, president of Taai, told Mint. “We have summoned the chief of eastern chapter of Taai for such a decision and the management committee is holding an urgent meeting to resolve this. I reiterate that we are continuing the battle against Singapore Airlines.”
“We have already suspended the memberships of three members and will now issue show-cause notices asking for explanation why they are not supporting the association’s agitation,” said Pradeep Lulla, president of Tafi, adding that the associations have decided to take action against errant members.
“The faction in the Kolkata’s Taai chapter and Hyderabad is the signal of criticality of the battle,” said a senior executive from a Mumbai-based travel house who declined being named. He cautioned that agents may lose the fight if they don’t intensify their stir in a united manner, given that more foreign carriers are adopting the zero-commission model.
On Thursday, Rai said that Taai has sought intervention from political parties and the aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). “We are meeting the representatives of political parties,” he said without divulging a timeline or agenda. Late in 2008, Singapore Airlines decided to do away with the 5% commission on each ticket; in retaliation, at least half a dozen travel agents’ associations boycotted the carrier. The travel agents maintain that the zero-commission model will not work in India.
Other carriers, both domestic and international, had earlier gone back on their zero commission policy and agreed to a 3% commission on the gross fare.
“Airlines cannot impose many things in India just because that they are doing it in the US,” Prakash of Tafi said.
Lee Lik Hsin, regional vice-president, west Asia and Africa, for Singapore Airlines, admitted that the airline does pay commissions in some countries, including in China. “We are talking to Indian travel agents and transaction fee model is the future,” Hsin said.
Of the 72 international airlines operating in India currently, 16 are currently not paying commissions to agents. While a joint meeting of Taai and Tafi on 2 April was to decide on starting action against some of these airlines, that decision has now been deferred.
“We want to achieve results first in the Singapore Airlines agitation and only then take up some other issue,” Lulla said.
MINT
Budget airlines add frills to woo fliers
Budget airlines are now introducing new flight services and schemes to either expand the aviation pie or wean away passengers from other players.
Almost all the no-frills airlines, except IndiGo, are going the whole hog to woo fliers with service offerings that are blurring the line between them and full service carriers such as Jet Airways, Kingfisher Airlines, Air India (domestic) and Paramount Airways.
The second largest player in this segment, SpiceJet Ltd, which had started offering tea and coffee about a month ago, is now serving breakfast onboard its aircraft. The airline has also done away with the charge of Rs 500 on unaccompanied child and extra baggage fee for overseas travellers that have connecting international flight within 24 hours.
Its smaller rival GoAir is trying to get hold of the last customer by offering a scheme whereby fliers get one ticket free on buying five tickets. The airline is planning to come with a cancellation programme, which will offer free tickets for flight cancellations between July 2008 and February 15, 2009. The free ticket will be over and above the refund on the ticket of the cancelled flight.
The trend of frills on budget airlines was started by Kingfisher last year, when it started offering snacks to its Kingfisher Red fliers. Ankur Bhatia, managing director of Amadeus, said new service offerings help get the last passenger on board.
Samyukth Sreedharan, chief commercial officer of SpiceJet, said in the current market, such services are helping his airline eat into full service carriers' pie and expand its share. He said SpiceJet flew 8% more passengers in February this year compared with the same month last year. Even in March, its year-on-year passenger numbers grew by 5%.
DNA
Almost all the no-frills airlines, except IndiGo, are going the whole hog to woo fliers with service offerings that are blurring the line between them and full service carriers such as Jet Airways, Kingfisher Airlines, Air India (domestic) and Paramount Airways.
The second largest player in this segment, SpiceJet Ltd, which had started offering tea and coffee about a month ago, is now serving breakfast onboard its aircraft. The airline has also done away with the charge of Rs 500 on unaccompanied child and extra baggage fee for overseas travellers that have connecting international flight within 24 hours.
Its smaller rival GoAir is trying to get hold of the last customer by offering a scheme whereby fliers get one ticket free on buying five tickets. The airline is planning to come with a cancellation programme, which will offer free tickets for flight cancellations between July 2008 and February 15, 2009. The free ticket will be over and above the refund on the ticket of the cancelled flight.
The trend of frills on budget airlines was started by Kingfisher last year, when it started offering snacks to its Kingfisher Red fliers. Ankur Bhatia, managing director of Amadeus, said new service offerings help get the last passenger on board.
Samyukth Sreedharan, chief commercial officer of SpiceJet, said in the current market, such services are helping his airline eat into full service carriers' pie and expand its share. He said SpiceJet flew 8% more passengers in February this year compared with the same month last year. Even in March, its year-on-year passenger numbers grew by 5%.
DNA
Sell stocks, travel abroad...
With the travel season going to start soon, tour operators have started coming out with innovative promotional schemes. While all of them are offering discounted packages, Lifestyle Holidays, a Mumbai-based tour operator, has gone up a step further. The company is offering holidays in exchange of stocks.
And to lure customers, who are suffering from pangs due to the recent stock market crash, the tour operator is offering a 10 per cent premium on the existing share price. The money is used as a payment towards holiday package. The stocks can be used to finance the holiday, either fully or partly. The remaining has to be paid in cash.
But there is a catch. The company only accepts stocks of top 72 companies, or blue chip stocks. These include Bharat Petroleum Corporation, Colgate Palmolive, HDFC Bank, Infosys Technologies, Reliance Industries, Tata Consultancy Services and Wipro.
"The future existence of this offer depends on the stock market to ensure financially viability," said a company official. This means, if there is a sharp rally in the market, the company may stop this scheme.
If you are game for the bargain, it will take two days for the share transfer procedure. And this will attract brokerage fee, stamp duty and service tax. All this has to be borne by the customer.
Agreed, the scheme is innovative and lucrative. But investment advisers believe that it makes little sense to swap assets (shares) accumulated over time for an expense (holiday).
"Selling shares of a blue-chip company only reflects that you don't believe in it," said Gaurav Mashruwala, a certified financial planner.
Financial planners believe that investing in equities is a long term process. And investors have to make a lot of efforts. One has to study its business, balance sheet, profit and loss account and the trust the management. It does not make sense to liquidate such stock just for a foreign holiday.
Mashruwala compared this situation with the fable of the goose that laid golden eggs. "Stocks are the goose and the returns the golden eggs," Mashruwala said. According to him, investors can use the returns from the stocks, for instance dividends, for such expenses. Selling equity is equivalent to killing the goose.
In a well-constructed portfolio, every company has a role to play. These shares could have been purchased for various reasons. It could have been for a sector exposure or as a correlation to another stock. Liquidating them means compromising on the quality of the portfolio.
Also, the 10 per cent premium paid to the customer only works as a 10 per cent discount on the package. This discount further reduces if you consider the charges involved in the transfer.
The share transfer is an offline transaction. This means, the transferred stocks are not routed through a stock exchange. Lifestyle Holidays is a part of non-banking financial company called Bulls & Bears Finance Limited. They also have a broking house by the name of V Jethalal Ramji Share Brokers. These stocks are transferred using the services of the broking house. The company said that it plans to hold on to these shares once it procures them from interested sellers.
The only people who can possibly go for this offer are the ones who trade shares. "Many traders sell stocks to book losses and incur short-term capital loss," said Suresh Sadagopan, director, Ladder7 Financial Advisory.
This loss is allowed to be carried forward for several financial years. In the future, this short-term capital loss can be set against short-term capital gains in equities.
Once they have sold the stocks at loss, the traders can buy them back from the stock market.
B S
And to lure customers, who are suffering from pangs due to the recent stock market crash, the tour operator is offering a 10 per cent premium on the existing share price. The money is used as a payment towards holiday package. The stocks can be used to finance the holiday, either fully or partly. The remaining has to be paid in cash.
But there is a catch. The company only accepts stocks of top 72 companies, or blue chip stocks. These include Bharat Petroleum Corporation, Colgate Palmolive, HDFC Bank, Infosys Technologies, Reliance Industries, Tata Consultancy Services and Wipro.
"The future existence of this offer depends on the stock market to ensure financially viability," said a company official. This means, if there is a sharp rally in the market, the company may stop this scheme.
If you are game for the bargain, it will take two days for the share transfer procedure. And this will attract brokerage fee, stamp duty and service tax. All this has to be borne by the customer.
Agreed, the scheme is innovative and lucrative. But investment advisers believe that it makes little sense to swap assets (shares) accumulated over time for an expense (holiday).
"Selling shares of a blue-chip company only reflects that you don't believe in it," said Gaurav Mashruwala, a certified financial planner.
Financial planners believe that investing in equities is a long term process. And investors have to make a lot of efforts. One has to study its business, balance sheet, profit and loss account and the trust the management. It does not make sense to liquidate such stock just for a foreign holiday.
Mashruwala compared this situation with the fable of the goose that laid golden eggs. "Stocks are the goose and the returns the golden eggs," Mashruwala said. According to him, investors can use the returns from the stocks, for instance dividends, for such expenses. Selling equity is equivalent to killing the goose.
In a well-constructed portfolio, every company has a role to play. These shares could have been purchased for various reasons. It could have been for a sector exposure or as a correlation to another stock. Liquidating them means compromising on the quality of the portfolio.
Also, the 10 per cent premium paid to the customer only works as a 10 per cent discount on the package. This discount further reduces if you consider the charges involved in the transfer.
The share transfer is an offline transaction. This means, the transferred stocks are not routed through a stock exchange. Lifestyle Holidays is a part of non-banking financial company called Bulls & Bears Finance Limited. They also have a broking house by the name of V Jethalal Ramji Share Brokers. These stocks are transferred using the services of the broking house. The company said that it plans to hold on to these shares once it procures them from interested sellers.
The only people who can possibly go for this offer are the ones who trade shares. "Many traders sell stocks to book losses and incur short-term capital loss," said Suresh Sadagopan, director, Ladder7 Financial Advisory.
This loss is allowed to be carried forward for several financial years. In the future, this short-term capital loss can be set against short-term capital gains in equities.
Once they have sold the stocks at loss, the traders can buy them back from the stock market.
B S
Flying fair every step of the way
lying could soon become a more comfortable and cheaper experience for passengers with disability or reduced mobility.
New guidelines issued by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) this week state that when a passenger with disability or reduced mobility has bought a ticket it is “obligatory” on the part of the airline to ensure he/she reaches not only the aircraft but also the arrival lounge exit without incurring any further expenditure.
Currently such passengers incur expenditure of Rs 200 for the wheelchair and Rs 2,500 for use of the ambulift for each journey on private airlines.
Immediate effect
Most of the guidelines come into effect immediately and will apply on both domestic and international airlines.
Persons with disabilities not holding any certificate shall also be provided necessary assistance as well as aids such as wheelchairs and ambulifts among others. “In such cases during ticketing or check-in the individual’s degree of disability and his needs for assistance may be confirmed. Airlines shall not refuse carriage in such cases,” the DGCA has said.
The airlines have been given July 31 as the cut off before when they shall have narrow aisle chairs which can move around in the aircraft cabin and be used for boarding and disembarking of passengers not travelling on stretchers. Currently most flights do not carry such chairs, thereby confining the passenger to the seat.
Online form
“It is most upsetting when an airline does not have an aisle chair to transfer a wheelchair passenger to his or her seat. I have experienced it in a private airline and complained about it,” says Ms Sminu Jindal, Managing Director, Jindal SAW, who is also founder of disability NGO Svayam which advocates access for people with disabilities.
The DGCA has also asked airlines to incorporate appropriate provisions in the online form for booking tickets so that all the facilities required by these passengers are made available to them at the time of check-in. Right now such passengers have to request for the wheelchair after reaching the airport.
To ensure that these passengers do not face any problems at airports, the DGCA has asked airlines to make advance arrangement with other agencies such as airport management to ensure that their movement within the airports is not restricted.
More clarity required
“We are happy that these issues are being addressed by fresh guidelines. But we want to warn that even after the guidelines were issued for the first time by DGCA in May 2008, many airlines did not implement them, causing passengers like us grave inconvenience. Even now the issue of ‘Fit to Fly’ certificates is hanging fire. Several international airlines and booking agents are insisting on this certificate before issuing the ticket,” said Mr Rajiv Rajan, Co-ordinator of the Disability Legislation Unit (South), a project of Vidya Sagar, Chennai. DLU had initiated the campaign to bring about these changes in June 2007.
Ms Meenakshi Balasubramanian, assistant co-ordinator of DLU, points out that certain sections of the new provisions lack clarity. “Who will decide on the individual’s degree of disability? Will you take the passenger’s word or will the airline insist on a panel assessing it at the airport,” she asks Govt more sensitive
Ms Jindal, however, admits that she finds that the Government has been more sensitive to change than the private airlines. But implementation of the guidelines has been an issue. “When the DGCA first passed these rules in 2008, there was hardly any implementation by private airlines and we continued to have embarrassing incidents vis-À-vis access facilities at airports.”
THE B L
New guidelines issued by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) this week state that when a passenger with disability or reduced mobility has bought a ticket it is “obligatory” on the part of the airline to ensure he/she reaches not only the aircraft but also the arrival lounge exit without incurring any further expenditure.
Currently such passengers incur expenditure of Rs 200 for the wheelchair and Rs 2,500 for use of the ambulift for each journey on private airlines.
Immediate effect
Most of the guidelines come into effect immediately and will apply on both domestic and international airlines.
Persons with disabilities not holding any certificate shall also be provided necessary assistance as well as aids such as wheelchairs and ambulifts among others. “In such cases during ticketing or check-in the individual’s degree of disability and his needs for assistance may be confirmed. Airlines shall not refuse carriage in such cases,” the DGCA has said.
The airlines have been given July 31 as the cut off before when they shall have narrow aisle chairs which can move around in the aircraft cabin and be used for boarding and disembarking of passengers not travelling on stretchers. Currently most flights do not carry such chairs, thereby confining the passenger to the seat.
Online form
“It is most upsetting when an airline does not have an aisle chair to transfer a wheelchair passenger to his or her seat. I have experienced it in a private airline and complained about it,” says Ms Sminu Jindal, Managing Director, Jindal SAW, who is also founder of disability NGO Svayam which advocates access for people with disabilities.
The DGCA has also asked airlines to incorporate appropriate provisions in the online form for booking tickets so that all the facilities required by these passengers are made available to them at the time of check-in. Right now such passengers have to request for the wheelchair after reaching the airport.
To ensure that these passengers do not face any problems at airports, the DGCA has asked airlines to make advance arrangement with other agencies such as airport management to ensure that their movement within the airports is not restricted.
More clarity required
“We are happy that these issues are being addressed by fresh guidelines. But we want to warn that even after the guidelines were issued for the first time by DGCA in May 2008, many airlines did not implement them, causing passengers like us grave inconvenience. Even now the issue of ‘Fit to Fly’ certificates is hanging fire. Several international airlines and booking agents are insisting on this certificate before issuing the ticket,” said Mr Rajiv Rajan, Co-ordinator of the Disability Legislation Unit (South), a project of Vidya Sagar, Chennai. DLU had initiated the campaign to bring about these changes in June 2007.
Ms Meenakshi Balasubramanian, assistant co-ordinator of DLU, points out that certain sections of the new provisions lack clarity. “Who will decide on the individual’s degree of disability? Will you take the passenger’s word or will the airline insist on a panel assessing it at the airport,” she asks Govt more sensitive
Ms Jindal, however, admits that she finds that the Government has been more sensitive to change than the private airlines. But implementation of the guidelines has been an issue. “When the DGCA first passed these rules in 2008, there was hardly any implementation by private airlines and we continued to have embarrassing incidents vis-À-vis access facilities at airports.”
THE B L
Tourism road shows abroad
With the number of foreign tourists visiting India dropping due to global recession and heightened security threat post the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, the Union tourism ministry is organising road shows abroad to reach out to new markets and interior cities.
The countries where a series of road shows were held recently include Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan and South Korea. Road shows will be held this month with Japan and Korea as target markets.
Similar shows are planned in South America and Europe as well.
These tourism ministry sponsored shows were held in collaboration with Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) and India tourism offices in the respective countries.
“With these road shows, we could educate the local tour operators about our niche products and create awareness about special offers available under the Visit India Year 2009 scheme,” said the IATO president, Mr Vijay Thakur.
“Though economic recession has hit the travel industry, we need to try to overcome it by experimenting novel formats to boost sales. Road shows are the best way to be with direct contacts with the tour operators who create business for us,” he added.
The countries where a series of road shows were held recently include Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan and South Korea. Road shows will be held this month with Japan and Korea as target markets.
Similar shows are planned in South America and Europe as well.
These tourism ministry sponsored shows were held in collaboration with Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) and India tourism offices in the respective countries.
“With these road shows, we could educate the local tour operators about our niche products and create awareness about special offers available under the Visit India Year 2009 scheme,” said the IATO president, Mr Vijay Thakur.
“Though economic recession has hit the travel industry, we need to try to overcome it by experimenting novel formats to boost sales. Road shows are the best way to be with direct contacts with the tour operators who create business for us,” he added.
Air travel likely to scale new heights this summer
This summer, many families will heave a sigh of relief with low-cost airlines dropping their airfares.Families will get back to flying after a two-year gap when soaring aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices had made air tickets unaffordable for many families.
With the tickets in the AC II-tier compartment running packed this summer, travelling by air seems a highly effective option. Interestingly , there is not much of a difference—anywhere between Rs 100 to a maximum of Rs 500. Added to this, several travel websites in conjunction with bank credit cards, are offering cashback option of up to 10% making the deal sweeter for such travellers.
Consider an individual who wants to travel to Delhi from Mumbai on May 1, 2009. There is no question of getting tickets on the Rajdhani Express in the AC II-tier compartment unless he wants to take chance with a waitlisted ticket which has little chance of getting confirmed. That will cost Rs 2,000. If the tatkal option is exercised , it will cost another Rs 300 taking the cost to Rs 2,300. Interestingly, a ticket in the first AC coach which costs Rs 3,305 is not available Compared to this, the traveller can get a ticket on Indigo Airlines for Rs 2,291 which includes all taxes. To fly by Jet Airways and Kingfisher Red, the cost increases a little more to Rs 2,810. Not surprisingly, air travel is the preferred mode.
Similar is the case of a family which wants to travel from Delhi to Bangalore on May 1. This is a 2,400-km journey and takes 36 hours by train. The Bangalore Rajdhani that connects Delhi to Bangalore will get you waitlisted second AC ticket at a cost of Rs 2,763. A ticket on a lowcost airline will come with a price tag of Rs 2,728.
Again, a flight ticket for June 30 between Mumbai and Kolkata comes at Rs 2,600. The train would involve a 30-hour journey and would cost Rs 2,000 by second AC. Similarly, a train ride from New Delhi to Chennai costs Rs 1960, while one can get a flight ticket for the month of June for Rs 2,728.
Those tracking the trend say this is the tipping point where rail travellers will switch over to air travel. “In the last 10 days, we have had a 20% increase in the number of airbooking transactions. A lot of this is coming through the advance purchase window,” says makemytrip .com head (online sales) Mohit Srivastava.
An advance purchase window is a model followed by successful airlines across the globe. With load factors dipping to about 60-70 % for airlines, advance purchase window will help them increase the load factor.
With the tickets in the AC II-tier compartment running packed this summer, travelling by air seems a highly effective option. Interestingly , there is not much of a difference—anywhere between Rs 100 to a maximum of Rs 500. Added to this, several travel websites in conjunction with bank credit cards, are offering cashback option of up to 10% making the deal sweeter for such travellers.
Consider an individual who wants to travel to Delhi from Mumbai on May 1, 2009. There is no question of getting tickets on the Rajdhani Express in the AC II-tier compartment unless he wants to take chance with a waitlisted ticket which has little chance of getting confirmed. That will cost Rs 2,000. If the tatkal option is exercised , it will cost another Rs 300 taking the cost to Rs 2,300. Interestingly, a ticket in the first AC coach which costs Rs 3,305 is not available Compared to this, the traveller can get a ticket on Indigo Airlines for Rs 2,291 which includes all taxes. To fly by Jet Airways and Kingfisher Red, the cost increases a little more to Rs 2,810. Not surprisingly, air travel is the preferred mode.
Similar is the case of a family which wants to travel from Delhi to Bangalore on May 1. This is a 2,400-km journey and takes 36 hours by train. The Bangalore Rajdhani that connects Delhi to Bangalore will get you waitlisted second AC ticket at a cost of Rs 2,763. A ticket on a lowcost airline will come with a price tag of Rs 2,728.
Again, a flight ticket for June 30 between Mumbai and Kolkata comes at Rs 2,600. The train would involve a 30-hour journey and would cost Rs 2,000 by second AC. Similarly, a train ride from New Delhi to Chennai costs Rs 1960, while one can get a flight ticket for the month of June for Rs 2,728.
Those tracking the trend say this is the tipping point where rail travellers will switch over to air travel. “In the last 10 days, we have had a 20% increase in the number of airbooking transactions. A lot of this is coming through the advance purchase window,” says makemytrip .com head (online sales) Mohit Srivastava.
An advance purchase window is a model followed by successful airlines across the globe. With load factors dipping to about 60-70 % for airlines, advance purchase window will help them increase the load factor.
Travel agents to go on strike from next week
The battle between travel agents and foreign airlines over the issue of payment of commissions to the agents has intensified as associations have decided to go on hunger strike from next week. More than 5,000 travel agents across the country will participate in the strike that could likely affect booking of air tickets. Travel agents account for more than 85% of any airlines’ ticket sales, while the remaining 15% are sold directly by the carriers.
Members of six associations among including the Travel Agents’ Association of India, Travel Agents Federation of India and the IATA Agents Association of India, will be meeting with Singapore Airlines officials in Colaba, Mumbai on Wednesday to break the deadlock.
“If the second round of meeting on Wednesday evening with Singapore Airlines fails to take off, then we will go for hunger strike,” said Ajay Prakash, national general secretary of the Travel Agents’ Federation of India. Travel agents are doing whatever needs to be done to bring the commission back and we are not going to budge at any cost, Mr Prakash added.
Travel agents have also put protest hoardings in Mumbai and Pune to register their protest. Meanwhile, Travel Agents’ Association has forced its West Bengal chapter chairman Devendra Parekh to resign on Monday after he agreed to sell Singapore Airlines tickets.
The associations also launched a Singapore Airlines boycott campaign where they collected more than 1,000 letters from travel agents across country. The letters called for a complete halt of bookings of Singapore Airlines.
The foreign carrier flies to eight destinations in India and is one of the biggest foreign airlines flying in the country.
Meanwhile, Singapore Airlines said it would continue with talks with agents. “We are committed to continuing the dialogue process with travel agents to work towards a mutually beneficial solution,” airlines general manager CW Foo said recently. Various meetings have been held to resolve the situation where the airline has put forth proposals. The associations however persist in adopting tactics which are not in the spirit of co-operation, Mr Foo added.
The difference started when the airlines proposed a zero-commission regime. Travel agents, who were getting a 5% commission on the sale of each ticket, refused to accept the move saying it will put them out of business.
British Airways, Delta, Swiss Air, KLM and Lufthansa and others foreign carriers had moved to a zero commission model. Singapore Airlines withdrew the 5% commission paid to travel agents in India from December end.
“Compared to domestic flights, in international airlines travel agents have to provide extra services related to passport, visa, foreign currency and insurance and a 5% commission from the foreign carriers is reasonable,” Mr Rai added. Domestic airlines in India pay a 3% commission to their travel agents.
ET
Members of six associations among including the Travel Agents’ Association of India, Travel Agents Federation of India and the IATA Agents Association of India, will be meeting with Singapore Airlines officials in Colaba, Mumbai on Wednesday to break the deadlock.
“If the second round of meeting on Wednesday evening with Singapore Airlines fails to take off, then we will go for hunger strike,” said Ajay Prakash, national general secretary of the Travel Agents’ Federation of India. Travel agents are doing whatever needs to be done to bring the commission back and we are not going to budge at any cost, Mr Prakash added.
Travel agents have also put protest hoardings in Mumbai and Pune to register their protest. Meanwhile, Travel Agents’ Association has forced its West Bengal chapter chairman Devendra Parekh to resign on Monday after he agreed to sell Singapore Airlines tickets.
The associations also launched a Singapore Airlines boycott campaign where they collected more than 1,000 letters from travel agents across country. The letters called for a complete halt of bookings of Singapore Airlines.
The foreign carrier flies to eight destinations in India and is one of the biggest foreign airlines flying in the country.
Meanwhile, Singapore Airlines said it would continue with talks with agents. “We are committed to continuing the dialogue process with travel agents to work towards a mutually beneficial solution,” airlines general manager CW Foo said recently. Various meetings have been held to resolve the situation where the airline has put forth proposals. The associations however persist in adopting tactics which are not in the spirit of co-operation, Mr Foo added.
The difference started when the airlines proposed a zero-commission regime. Travel agents, who were getting a 5% commission on the sale of each ticket, refused to accept the move saying it will put them out of business.
British Airways, Delta, Swiss Air, KLM and Lufthansa and others foreign carriers had moved to a zero commission model. Singapore Airlines withdrew the 5% commission paid to travel agents in India from December end.
“Compared to domestic flights, in international airlines travel agents have to provide extra services related to passport, visa, foreign currency and insurance and a 5% commission from the foreign carriers is reasonable,” Mr Rai added. Domestic airlines in India pay a 3% commission to their travel agents.
ET
Agents harden stand against airline
The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) on Tuesday said all travel agents had decided to surrender their capping letters of Singapore Airlines The TAAI office-bearers will surrender the letters to the Singapore Airlines’ offices on April 8, followed by all other members during the course of the week.
A TAAI statement said the other members had submitted the capping letters to their TAAI chapters.
A capping letter is a document given by the airlines authorising an agent to book the airlines’ tickets. No travel agent in the country will now book Singapore Airlines ticket.
TAAI has over 2,300 active allied and associate members, comprising IATA accredited travel agencies, airlines and general sales agencies, hotels and tour operators.
The 100-day standoff between TAAI and Singapore Airlines since December 29, 2008, followed the airlines imposing a “Zero Commission” fee structure for the agents. Unlike in developed markets where Internet booking accounts for a large chunk of ticket booking, about 85 per cent of the tickets booked in India are through travel agents.
While 3-4 per cent book through the Internet for international travel, a little over 15 per cent use the Net for domestic travel bookings.
The Indian agents will avoid Singapore Airlines bookings till it reverted to the commission structure. It is estimated that the impact of the standoff on the airline has already resulted in loss of several hundred crores of business. Vijay Mohan Rai, Chairman, Communications, TAAI, told The Hindu that “it is estimated that Singapore Airlines is losing around $1 million worth of business per day because of the boycott.”
THE HINDU
A TAAI statement said the other members had submitted the capping letters to their TAAI chapters.
A capping letter is a document given by the airlines authorising an agent to book the airlines’ tickets. No travel agent in the country will now book Singapore Airlines ticket.
TAAI has over 2,300 active allied and associate members, comprising IATA accredited travel agencies, airlines and general sales agencies, hotels and tour operators.
The 100-day standoff between TAAI and Singapore Airlines since December 29, 2008, followed the airlines imposing a “Zero Commission” fee structure for the agents. Unlike in developed markets where Internet booking accounts for a large chunk of ticket booking, about 85 per cent of the tickets booked in India are through travel agents.
While 3-4 per cent book through the Internet for international travel, a little over 15 per cent use the Net for domestic travel bookings.
The Indian agents will avoid Singapore Airlines bookings till it reverted to the commission structure. It is estimated that the impact of the standoff on the airline has already resulted in loss of several hundred crores of business. Vijay Mohan Rai, Chairman, Communications, TAAI, told The Hindu that “it is estimated that Singapore Airlines is losing around $1 million worth of business per day because of the boycott.”
THE HINDU
Travel agents return authorisation letters to S’pore Airlines
Travel agents all over the country have returned sales authorisation letters for ticket sale given by Singapore Airlines to protest against the withdrawal of commission on tickets sale paid to them by airlines.
Travel industry bodies, including Travel Agents Association of India and Travel Agents Federation of India, have also threatened to stop dealing with BA and Qatar Airways if they did not restart the practice of paying commission to agents. A number of airlines, including Singapore, British and Qatar, have stopping paying commission on ticket sales to agents.
“We had received about 900 sales authorisation letters from our members of which 500-600 have been submitted to Singapore Airlines. The remaining letters would also be handed over to airlines in a day or two,” TAAI president Rajinder Rai said. Nearly 85% of air tickets are currently booked through travel agents, while the remaining are booked through airline outlets and their websites.
Travel industry bodies, including Travel Agents Association of India and Travel Agents Federation of India, have also threatened to stop dealing with BA and Qatar Airways if they did not restart the practice of paying commission to agents. A number of airlines, including Singapore, British and Qatar, have stopping paying commission on ticket sales to agents.
“We had received about 900 sales authorisation letters from our members of which 500-600 have been submitted to Singapore Airlines. The remaining letters would also be handed over to airlines in a day or two,” TAAI president Rajinder Rai said. Nearly 85% of air tickets are currently booked through travel agents, while the remaining are booked through airline outlets and their websites.
Buy-1-get-1-free booster shot for medical tourism
The tourism ministry is finalising a scheme wherein a tourist visiting India for a particular medical treatment will be offered an additional treatment free of cost for a smaller ailment. The scheme will be part of the schemes implemented by the government to increase foreign tourist arrivals in the backdrop of the global slowdown, a senior official in the tourism ministry said.
The ministry is in advance discussion with all major hospital chains such as Apollo, Manipal, Moolchand, Fortis and Wockhardt to offer the complementary treatment.
“Now, foreign medical tourists would be offered one additional treatment for free. Almost all major hospitals have expressed their interest in partnering with us,” tourism secretary Sujit Banerjee told ET.
As per the plan, medical tourists coming for a surgery or any other major treatment in the country would be offered a smaller additional treatment for free. For example, a patient coming for a bypass surgery could be offered a complementary skin treatment or something similar according to the patient’s preference.
Foreign tourist arrivals in the country has been hit hard by the recessionary trend all across the world. The number of foreign tourists visiting India has been in the negative territory since November last year. Tourist arrivals picked up slightly in February, thanks to various promotional schemes launched by the government along with airlines, tour operators and hoteliers.
Under the existing promotional scheme, a companion of a foreign tourist gets free air passage provided they fly with Jet Airways, Kingfisher and Air India. The tour package also provides extended stay in hotels across the country and complimentary sight-seeing tours to rural eco-holiday destinations. The tourism ministry has also roped in spa centre operators into the scheme. The measures are part of the government’s ‘Visit India 2009’ plan. The bookings under the proposed scheme beginning this month will continue till the end of the year.
The tourism ministry has set a target of doubling the number of foreign tourists arrivals to the country by the end of 2010. It has launched road shows in various source countries such as the US, the UK, Canada and Australia to increase the number of visitors.
The ministry is in advance discussion with all major hospital chains such as Apollo, Manipal, Moolchand, Fortis and Wockhardt to offer the complementary treatment.
“Now, foreign medical tourists would be offered one additional treatment for free. Almost all major hospitals have expressed their interest in partnering with us,” tourism secretary Sujit Banerjee told ET.
As per the plan, medical tourists coming for a surgery or any other major treatment in the country would be offered a smaller additional treatment for free. For example, a patient coming for a bypass surgery could be offered a complementary skin treatment or something similar according to the patient’s preference.
Foreign tourist arrivals in the country has been hit hard by the recessionary trend all across the world. The number of foreign tourists visiting India has been in the negative territory since November last year. Tourist arrivals picked up slightly in February, thanks to various promotional schemes launched by the government along with airlines, tour operators and hoteliers.
Under the existing promotional scheme, a companion of a foreign tourist gets free air passage provided they fly with Jet Airways, Kingfisher and Air India. The tour package also provides extended stay in hotels across the country and complimentary sight-seeing tours to rural eco-holiday destinations. The tourism ministry has also roped in spa centre operators into the scheme. The measures are part of the government’s ‘Visit India 2009’ plan. The bookings under the proposed scheme beginning this month will continue till the end of the year.
The tourism ministry has set a target of doubling the number of foreign tourists arrivals to the country by the end of 2010. It has launched road shows in various source countries such as the US, the UK, Canada and Australia to increase the number of visitors.
Hotel chains to bring down room tariffs by 30%
We don’t yet know what you’re doing this summer - but if you’re planning vacations in India, you will be getting the bang for your buck. Following a big drop in occupancy levels, major hotel chains across the country are planning to reduce room tariffs by 25% to 30%.
Hotels in all metros have had just about 35% to 40% occupancy in the last one quarter and the declining revenues have pushed five-star hotel chains to reduce the cost of their summer packages. So far, summer leisure bookings for five-star hotels are 15% to 20% lower compared to last year.
And now, in next couple of weeks, many hotel chains will be forced to reduce their tariffs, feel senior officials in the hospitality industry. The leading hotel chains that SundayET spoke to are, however, unwilling to talk about how much the room tariffs will be reduced.
Several tour and travel companies that Sunday ET spoke to said that they had recorded a significant drop in travel bookings of both leisure and corporate sectors. This trend, they felt, is forcing hospitality major to bring down the tariffs.
Says Ranjan Bhattacharya MD, Country Inns & Suites: “The travel industry has been affected by the recent economic climate. The industry could face rate consolidation (slashing of rates) in the coming weeks. The rates were not slashed when the contracting season began from October 2008. But the impact of economic slowdown and recent incidents are visible with occupancy coming down and that will hit revenues in the second quarter of 2009.”
Meanwhile, the slowdown has put brakes on the supply of new rooms. In the star category hotel segment, 3,000 rooms were expected to be opened for the market in the first six months of 2009, but only 1,000 of these will actually come up.
According to a Citigroup report, the average occupancy rate of hotels fell to 58% against 78% in January 2008, while average room rentals came down by 14%. Hotel chains are realising that they cannot get the desired occupancy levels without reducing their prices further.
In Delhi, an average room which was available for Rs 12,000 to Rs 15,000 during peak time now has gone down to Rs 6,000 to Rs 9,000. The suites and president suite - which had gone up to Rs 30,000 - have come down to Rs 18,000 to Rs 22,000. And the downtrend is not only confined to Delhi and metro towns - the all-India occupancy level in the last three months touched 45% to 50% down from the 85% mark for the first time this year.
“We continue to present the customer with exceptional value in terms of products and services in summer. Special packages for a short or long vacation are available at the luxury Oberoi and 5-star Trident hotels in Shimla, Agra, Jaipur, Ranthambhore, Udaipur, Bhubaneshwar and Cochin. Special attention has been given to families holidaying with children, with some packages including an additional room for children with our compliments,” said an Oberoi group spokesperson.
Many in the industry feel that another reason for the occupancy level coming down is of companies cutting their travel budgets to deal with the slowdown in business. Some large companies are even known to have rented out flats in many cities to control their hotel expenses.
ET
Hotels in all metros have had just about 35% to 40% occupancy in the last one quarter and the declining revenues have pushed five-star hotel chains to reduce the cost of their summer packages. So far, summer leisure bookings for five-star hotels are 15% to 20% lower compared to last year.
And now, in next couple of weeks, many hotel chains will be forced to reduce their tariffs, feel senior officials in the hospitality industry. The leading hotel chains that SundayET spoke to are, however, unwilling to talk about how much the room tariffs will be reduced.
Several tour and travel companies that Sunday ET spoke to said that they had recorded a significant drop in travel bookings of both leisure and corporate sectors. This trend, they felt, is forcing hospitality major to bring down the tariffs.
Says Ranjan Bhattacharya MD, Country Inns & Suites: “The travel industry has been affected by the recent economic climate. The industry could face rate consolidation (slashing of rates) in the coming weeks. The rates were not slashed when the contracting season began from October 2008. But the impact of economic slowdown and recent incidents are visible with occupancy coming down and that will hit revenues in the second quarter of 2009.”
Meanwhile, the slowdown has put brakes on the supply of new rooms. In the star category hotel segment, 3,000 rooms were expected to be opened for the market in the first six months of 2009, but only 1,000 of these will actually come up.
According to a Citigroup report, the average occupancy rate of hotels fell to 58% against 78% in January 2008, while average room rentals came down by 14%. Hotel chains are realising that they cannot get the desired occupancy levels without reducing their prices further.
In Delhi, an average room which was available for Rs 12,000 to Rs 15,000 during peak time now has gone down to Rs 6,000 to Rs 9,000. The suites and president suite - which had gone up to Rs 30,000 - have come down to Rs 18,000 to Rs 22,000. And the downtrend is not only confined to Delhi and metro towns - the all-India occupancy level in the last three months touched 45% to 50% down from the 85% mark for the first time this year.
“We continue to present the customer with exceptional value in terms of products and services in summer. Special packages for a short or long vacation are available at the luxury Oberoi and 5-star Trident hotels in Shimla, Agra, Jaipur, Ranthambhore, Udaipur, Bhubaneshwar and Cochin. Special attention has been given to families holidaying with children, with some packages including an additional room for children with our compliments,” said an Oberoi group spokesperson.
Many in the industry feel that another reason for the occupancy level coming down is of companies cutting their travel budgets to deal with the slowdown in business. Some large companies are even known to have rented out flats in many cities to control their hotel expenses.
ET
Travel companies cash in on long weekends this year
Long weekend expeditions or short haul holidays have emerged as a popular trend in leisure travel. With 2009 having the maximum of long weekends — as many as 14 — compared to the last two years, tour operators are cashing in on this opportunity. They say the time-pressed corporate professionals and the double income no kid (DINK) couples are opting for domestic destinations over foreign shores as the economic slump bites both travellers and holiday planners alike.
Tour operators said that the response to weekend packages is encouraging and positive as travellers take advantage of bargain deals. Prices of travel packages have come down by 15-20%. In comparison to the first four months of 2008, the scale weighed equally on domestic and international destinations.
To beat the sweltering summer heat, people are largely heading to hill stations such as Mount Abu, Shimla and Coorg. And among international destinations, they are jetting off to Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Dubai for a weekend of shopping, partying, indulgence and rejuvenation.
"These destinations are a hit with last-minute holiday-makers because of its easy accessibility and visa-on-arrival procedures," says Kashmira Commissariat, head, outbound division, Kuoni India.
Dubai scores on connectivity as it is just three hours away from Mumbai, for Hong Kong it has a visa-on-arrival facility and for Thailand there are no visa fees.
"Weekend holiday as a concept is catching up. It caters to those who don't have time to take a longer holiday and also to those who believe that a short break is good enough," says Karan Anand, head, relationships and supplier management, Cox and Kings.
Ashish Goyal, a management executive with a large FMCG firm takes more short leisure trips as compared to a long vacation. "It is a quick gateway to beat the stress," Goyal opines.
Post the Good Friday weekend, travel firms are betting on the upcoming May Day weekend. People typically combine Thursday or Friday with the weekend for holidaying as against the weekend being combined with Monday or Tuesday, says Noel Swain, vice president, marketing, Cleartrip.com.
Kavi Ghei, director, TRAC Representations — a company that represents several international boards like Malaysia, Mauritius and British Virgin Islands — says that credit -crunched consumers can make the most of the competitive deals offered by the airlines and hotels worldwide. What's more, these are well supported by international tourism organisations.
Tour operators said that the response to weekend packages is encouraging and positive as travellers take advantage of bargain deals. Prices of travel packages have come down by 15-20%. In comparison to the first four months of 2008, the scale weighed equally on domestic and international destinations.
To beat the sweltering summer heat, people are largely heading to hill stations such as Mount Abu, Shimla and Coorg. And among international destinations, they are jetting off to Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Dubai for a weekend of shopping, partying, indulgence and rejuvenation.
"These destinations are a hit with last-minute holiday-makers because of its easy accessibility and visa-on-arrival procedures," says Kashmira Commissariat, head, outbound division, Kuoni India.
Dubai scores on connectivity as it is just three hours away from Mumbai, for Hong Kong it has a visa-on-arrival facility and for Thailand there are no visa fees.
"Weekend holiday as a concept is catching up. It caters to those who don't have time to take a longer holiday and also to those who believe that a short break is good enough," says Karan Anand, head, relationships and supplier management, Cox and Kings.
Ashish Goyal, a management executive with a large FMCG firm takes more short leisure trips as compared to a long vacation. "It is a quick gateway to beat the stress," Goyal opines.
Post the Good Friday weekend, travel firms are betting on the upcoming May Day weekend. People typically combine Thursday or Friday with the weekend for holidaying as against the weekend being combined with Monday or Tuesday, says Noel Swain, vice president, marketing, Cleartrip.com.
Kavi Ghei, director, TRAC Representations — a company that represents several international boards like Malaysia, Mauritius and British Virgin Islands — says that credit -crunched consumers can make the most of the competitive deals offered by the airlines and hotels worldwide. What's more, these are well supported by international tourism organisations.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Choice Group plans waterfront condo resort 'Choice Marina'
South India-based business conglomerate, Choice Group, is in the process of developing a resort condominium concept branded as 'Choice Marina' at a waterfront location in Kochi. The company has undertaken the marina development project spread across a gross area of 1,38,000 sq ft. The project’s construction will commence from July 16, 2009 and is likely to be complete in 16 months.
Tourists throng Manali as summer arrives early
Manali: With the arrival of summer, the hill town of Manali in Himachal Pradesh witnesses a rush of foreign and domestic tourists. Manali is Himachal Pradesh's main summer destination for backpackers, trekkers and party-goers escaping from the summer heat. During winters, tourists here enjoy snow, winter sports like skiing, mountain biking, snow scooter riding, paragliding and other adventure sports along with the picturesque beauty of Himalayan region and snow clad mountains. The rising temperature in April has revived Manali as tourist destination. Although the tourism industry across the world is experiencing losses due to the current recessionary trends, the hoteliers here claim that they have faced no problems. Travel agents say that the number of tourists have increased due to the early arrival of summer this year. "This year the season has begun a bit early. Because of the holidays of Good Friday and Easter, there is definitely an increase in domestic as well as international tourists in Kullu Manali valley," said Himanshu, Tour and Travel Agent, Manali. Thousands of domestic and foreign tourists have thronged the town to beat the heat of summers. "We arrived in Manali today. So far it's really beautiful, really nice mountains with snow. It really has a good view. I think we are going to stay here two three days more or may be go up to the mountains and do some trekking," said Lilach Levy, tourist from Israel. Manali also has Hadimba Devi temple, Vashisht temple, Manu temple where tourists pay their homage to gods and goddesses. Every year more than ten million tourists visit Himachal Pradesh. Tourism industry plays a vital role in the economy of this hilly state.
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