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  • The Australian Tourism Minister Mr. Martin Ferguson has called for direct air connectivity between India and Australia to boost tourism. He stated this during his discussion with Union Tourism Minister Shri K.Chiranjeevi. Both the Ministers also expressed their resolve to strengthen bilateral tourism cooperation. Referring to the recent road shows organized by India Tourism in Australia, Shri Chiranjeevi expressed the hope that such shows will contribute to more tourist inflow from Aus­tralia. The Minister also suggested creation of a joint Tourism forum where the Tour Operators, Hoteliers, Airlines and other tourism stakeholders form both the coun­tries may exchange the ideas for promotion and development of tourism between both the countries. He also expressed the views that both the countries should explore the possibilities of renewing the MoU on tour­ism cooperation which expired in 2008. The Minister also suggested easing of visa norms to boost tourism.

    India and Australia are important tour­ism markets for each other. Australia is one of top 10 tourist generating markets for In­dia as far as inbound tourism is concerned.

    India tourism Office in Sydney looks after promotion and marketing of India in Australia. Overall the marketing ef­forts have been directed at re-enforcing the brand and creating year round traffic. India Tourism office regularly undertake comprehensive promotion, developing partnership with airlines, the travel in­dustry, media, community groups and Government. Ministry of Tourism in as­sociation with Indian Association of Tour Operators organized road shows in Sydney and Melbourne in October this year. The Ministry of Tourism hosted the visit of tour operators, travel agents, opinion makers, TV team, travel writers, etc. from Australia numbering 35 in 2011-12 and 16 till date during 2012-13 on familiarisation tour of India under its hospitality scheme.

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  • The Government of India has decided to lift the restriction of the two-month gap on re-entry of foreign nationals coming to India except in the case of nationals of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Sudan, foreigners of Pakistan and Bangladesh origins and Stateless persons.

    Mr. K. Chiranjeevi, Union Minister for Tourism has welcomed the decision of the Ministry of Home Affairs relating to the two month gap between two visits of a foreign national to India on a Tourist Visa. The Tourism Minister has said that this decision has addressed a long pending demand of the travel industry and would facilitate tourists visiting the country. The Ministry of Tourism has set a target of in­creasing the share of India in world tourist arrivals from the current 0.6% to 1% by the end of the 12th plan period and a relaxa­tion in the visa regime would contribute to a large extent in achieving this target.

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Look South Southern Zonal Tourism Council Announced

The setting up of the Southern Zonal Tourism Council (SZTC) comprising the States of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry was announced by Mr. Chiranjeevi, Union Tourism Minister.

The Minister in his interaction with the office bearers of World Travel & Tourism Council- India Initiative (WTTCII) welcomed the idea that emanated from the WTTCII Bekal Retreat held in September this year. “The setting up of the Southern Zonal Tourism Council will help facilitate development of Tourism and tourism products of Southern India in a holistic and comprehensive manner. Development of Integrated Tourism Circuits among the Southern states will be the way forward. The issues of competitive taxation of tourism products, inter-state taxation, seamless tourist movement by facilitating smooth facilitation at entry and exit points of the States will be addressed by the council.” Mr. Chiranjeevi said.

The Ministry will be writing to the Chief Secretaries of the States, who would Chair the SZTC by rotation. Tourism Secretary and Finance Secretary of the respective states will be permanent invitees to the SZTC. The SZTC will also interact with the Stakeholder to understand the concerns and issues facing the tourism industry. The SZTC will have a mandate to look at the inter-State taxation on tourist vehicles, interstate permits, smooth facilitation at the entry and exit points of the States, development of requisite infrastructure to and at destinations.

Welcoming the move WTTCII in a statement said that this is an excellent step in the direction of a coordinated and planned approach to develop tourism in South India. This move will enhance the necessary infrastructure, policy and other interventions needed to take Tourism to the next level in this region.

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Light at the end of the tunnel

For customers booking flights, value for money matters most when it comes to choosing a particular airline. This was the answer given by 70 per cent of the CEO Management Panel of ITB Berlin, in a recent survey of exhibitors and business partners carried out by the market research company Trendscope and ITB Berlin. For 63 per cent of those polled the second most important factors when choosing an airline were the departure airport and choice of flight times. 37 per cent customers said they only booked flights with a certain airline. For 24 per cent it was important that the airline operated modern aircraft. Customer loyalty to home carriers played an insignificant role. According to the survey nine per cent preferred to book flights with “their” national airline. Only four cent were willing to forfeit value for money.

Dr. Martin Buck, director of the Competence Center Travel & Logistics at Messe Berlin opined that “Worldwide, airlines are competing with each other in a hotly contested market. Customers reward airlines that offer transparent services and good value for money with their loyalty because they feel they are being treated well. If a national carrier is unable to fulfil those demands then it loses its emotional bond with the customer.”

The advantages of a frequent flyer programme were also among the reasons for choosing a particular airline. According to the survey this mattered to 42 per cent. 36 per cent were divided over whether frequent flyer programmes were important, while 22 per cent said they did not influence their booking choice. Asked which continents and regions operated the world’s best airlines, the CEO Management Panel of ITB Berlin revealed a clear trend that also reflects global market developments. Among those decision-makers polled, the most popular airlines were from Asia including the Arab countries followed by Europe. The least rated airlines were from North America, Australia, South America and Africa.

The aviation industry in India is bleeding like anything. The fate of King Fisher is still in the air and Paramount Airways already faded out from the scene. National carrier is surviving only due to government support. The other private carriers are trying their level best to survive. Still overall situation is not at all favour for further investment. But recent decision on FDI in aviations shows some light at the end of the tunnel. Etihad and Air Asia are already confirmed their talk with Jet Airways and Videocon group respectively to enter the Indian skies. Hope this year will bring more happy and prosperous news to everyone. Have a Great 2013.

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HOSPITALITY

TRADITIONAL LEGACY AT SPRING DALE

Another resort has come up to grace the pristine location of Thekkady, Kerala. Spring Dale Hotels & Resorts, unveiled its premium brand of Resort, Spring Dale Heritage. Located on the banks of the Periyar River, just 12 kms from Thekkady – Kumily. Spring Dale Heritage provides a complete range of premium services and traditional ambience. Dr. Thomas Rony, Director of Spring Dale Hotels & Resorts said, “Spring Dale Heritage dr ...
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Appointment

Mr. Miguel Munoz

Mr. Miguel Munoz has been appionted as the Head of Resort Operations, Sterling Holiday Resorts (India) Ltd

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Airline News

Hello 2013 by Emirates

Emirates is welcoming 2013 aboard by offering very attractive fares for quick-acting customers. Whether your New Year’s resolution is to spend more time with family and friends or visit a dream destination Emirates’ Economy Class deals, currently available for early bookers, offer something for everyone.

The special fares apply to more than 120 destinations across the Emirates’ network when booked between 26th December 2012 and 10th January 2013 - for travel from 18th January to 10th June 2013.

“With our excellent on board product and a long list of exciting destinations - from Buenos Aires and San Francisco in the west to Tokyo and Auckland in the east â€\" there are already many reasons to experience Emirates,” said Mr. Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Vice President India & Nepal, Emirates Airline “Now, we are injecting even more value into Economy Class fares, while giving a warm welcome to 2013. We urge customers to move quickly to secure seats at the best price,” added Mr Ahmad.

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Destination Review

With the opening of a resort hotel in the popular Indian coastal state of Goa, SwissĂ´tel Hotels & Resorts will complement its global portfolio with an additional deluxe hotel. First guests are anticipated to be welcomed in the first quarter 2013.

The Swissôtel Goa is located in the town of Calangute which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North Goa, only 16 kms from the capital city Panaji and within an hour’s drive from Goa’s international airport. The 135 guestrooms and suites are designed and proportioned among eight three level buildings, which are set within a tropical garden featuring idyllic lily ponds and a courtyard pool area. Rooms vary in size between 31 m and 72 m, depending on category, and feature modern design elements. An all-day dining restaurant, pool bar, cafe, fitness centre, adult and children’s pools, children’s club, as well as conference and banquet facilities will delight even the most discerning guests. The hotel will also have an exclusive beach club for its guests on Calangute beach. Designed by Malaysian Architects Chong Chee Ching and Greg Dall, the elements in the lobby and throughout the resort are accented by numerous works by the Indian artist Krishna Mehta are distributed throughout the resort which present modern and colourful design highlights. The most important night-life happenings and restaurants of North Goa are only a few minutes’ walk from Swissôtel Goa

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Experience the magic of the Big Five with Legacy on its exclusive game drives with skilled game rangers, exquisite food and luxurious accommodation at any of the Legacy Bush Lodges.Located in the North West province of South Africa, Pilanesberg National Park is the fourth largest national park in the country and a couple of hours drive from Johannesburg. Pilanesberg National Park is all natural and offers a true safari experience.. Its laid-back vibe and natural surroundings makes it the perfect foil to Sun City which is a mere 20-minute drive from Legacy’s two prime properties that are located at the entrance of Pilanesburg Bakabung Bush Lodge and Kwa Maritine Bush Lodge; and about 40 minutes away from Tshukudu Bush Lodge that is set in the heart of the national park.All the lodges can arrange for a shuttle to take you to visit Sun City so you can stay with Legacy in the wild and beautiful surroundings of Pilanesberg and experience South Africa at its best!

Just a two-hour drive from the commercial capital of South Africa, Johannesburg and a 15-minute ride from Sun City, lies Bakabung a place of breath-taking beauty and serenity. Built on the entrance of the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park, Bakubung offers guests everything they need to get in touch with the bush. Experience the Big Five as you go for guided bush walks, game drives and trails, relish African flavours at the Boma and kids here can participate in the Junior Rangers Programme for 6-12 years olds with educational activities.

Capture the spirit of Africa at Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge, that is located on the slopes of an ancient volcano, which offers guests all the amenities and convenience of a prime resort within the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park. Have a rejuvenating massage and treatments at the open-to-the-air Kwa Maritane Spa that looks over the park area. Enjoy world class amenities amidst the wilderness of Pilanesberg that is excellent for game viewing, the Big Five can easily be spotted in the park area. A plus at Kwa Maritane is the interesting game viewing hide that connects with the main lodge via a tunnel..

Stay at the beautiful Bakubung or Kwa Maritane Game Lodges and enjoy COMPLIMENTARY RETURN shuttle to Sun City plus COMPLIMENTARY entrance into Sun City. Legacy Hotels and Resorts now offers an option of swapping the second game drive for the complimentary transfers and entrance. Travellers can now combine Big 5 safari experience with the buzzing bright lights of Sun City without travelling 5 hours back and forth from Johannesburg.

Legacy offers the convenience of the shuttle that departs from both the lodges on the hour and return on the half hour. The vehicle can take 12 pax per transfer, plus a bigger bus that is permanently stationed at both the lodges can be used in case of groups upto 30 pax.

High up on a hill surrounded by the mountains of the Pilanesberg National Park overlooking a waterhole and savannah plain, lies Tshukudu, one of Africa’s most romantic and exclusive bush lodges. Your experience begins when you climb the natural stone steps to the lodge and are completely cocooned in your own private bliss at Tshukudu. Game walk by and there is no fencing around the property so you are up, close and personal with all the Big Five sightings. Each lodge is completely private and offers a romantic sunken bath, an open plan lounge and bedroom with a lovely nook and window you can look out of, or relax by your very own fireplace or on the balcony. For a romantic getaway head to Tshukudu, nothing beats the combination of sipping a sundowner while watching the animals at the waterhole. Its’ perfect for honeymooners because of its privacy!

The Addo Elephant National Park lies in the Eastern Cape. It is here where the evening’s silence is broken by the howl of the black-backed Jackal and the Francolins’ call heralds each new dawn. With uninterrupted views of the Karoo Plains and the Zuurberg Mountains, Kuzuko Lodge lies in a private concession to the north of the Addo Elephant National Park, the third largest national park in South Africa in a malaria-free region

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Nature at its Best

Nature is calling out to you to witness it at its best! Barely a five hour drive from Bangalore Eka Resorts in Saklesh­pur, offers you the opportunity to recon­nect with the source of all things blessed and wonderful  Mother Nature. At Eka Resorts, immerse yourself in the rapture around you. Where better to refresh the mind and cleanse your spirit than sur­rounded by acres of newly grown spices cloves, pepper, and cardamom, and the cheerful red berries of coffee ready to be picked. Sakleshpur Taluk accounts for around one third of India’s cardamom production.

This resort offers the ultimate expe­rience for those wanting a taste of the plantation lifestyle, while surrounded by breathtaking lush vegetation and the cozy self contained cottages, you will never have a dull moment with innumerable activities to enjoy around the area.

Brush out the cobwebs, refresh your spirit, leave all your cares behind. Eka re­sorts offers a variety of outdoor activities that will take you back to your childhood when your mind and body rejoiced in its strength and vitality. Toss a ball, chase a stick, fly a kite, catch a fish, dream by a glowing fireside at twilight. Billiards, Basketball, Football, Badminton, Cricket, Indoor games, Library with a vast collec­tion of over 1000 English and Kannada books, Kite Flying, Camp Fire, etc. are some of the activities offered by the resort inside its property, while Trekking, Visit to the nearby Water Falls, Visit to the nearby Picnic Spots, etc. are available outside.

Sakleshpur is famous for the trekking opportunities it offers. One of the most traversed routes is the railway track trek, which as the name suggests, follows an unused railway track stretching from Sakleshpur to Kukke Subrahmanya. The track features almost 109 bridges and 25 gushing waterfalls and is an experience worth exploring. Besides trekking, there are spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Bisle Gudda or Sunny Mountain is a popular picnic spot as is Bisle Betta also know as Bisle View Point. Avid photographers, nature lovers, trekkers and those with a simple love of the out doors, there is something for everyone at Sakleshpur. So your stay at Eka will never be wasted

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Cruise Calendar for Indian Travelers

This year, Royal Caribbean International nears the end of its $300 million fleet wide revitalization program integrating the latest innovations and highest guest-rated programs from the world’s largest and most revolutionary cruise ships (The Oasis Class vessels). Recent enhancements on the refreshed and rejuvenated ships will offer guests a greater variety of new onboard dining and entertainment options, new staterooms, pervasive Wi-Fi, Royal Babies and Tots Nursery, digital way-finding systems, interactive flat-panel televisions in staterooms, i-pod docking stations and lots more.

Fur ther , di s cover f i r s t -at - sea experiences and exciting amenities onboard various ships this year - ranging from a 40-foot-long surf simulator to a revolutionary ice rink or the 9 deck high zip line; from state-of-the-art fitness centres to full sized sports courts; from hit Broadway shows to the DreamWorks experience and much more. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, relaxing at the spa, indulging at the casino or enjoying one of the many bars and lounges, the impeccable facilities and personalised Gold Anchor Service will leave a lasting impression of destinations in 72 countries across 6 continents to choose from, TIRUN Travel Marketing, the exclusive representative of Royal Caribbean International in the country, recently interpreted the year’s offering for the Indian traveller. Charting this year’s cruise calendar the company revealed some of the ideal itineraries for individuals, couples, families, groups and MICE organisers in the country.

Over the next few months, Indian travellers can avail exciting 7-Night Emirates sailings and an 11-Night cruise from Dubai to Singapore via ports like Goa, Kochi, Penang and Kuala Lumpur. This is also an excellent time to experience a 2 to 7-Night cruise aboard MS Legend of the Seas capitalising on the limited period offer of a complimentary overnight stay in Singapore. 2013 will not only witness the maiden deployment of MS Mariner of the Seas to Asia Pacific but also the return of last year’s Indian favourite MS Voyager of the Seas, providing more than a hundred 2 to 14-Night cruise itineraries through March to December. Departing from ports like Singapore, China, Japan and Australia to exotic destinations in South East Asia, Korea, Hong Kong, Japan and further into the Australia and New Zealand region, these voyager class vessels will be the largest ships in Asian waters and bring a host of innovations that revolutionise cruising in the region.

The summe r br ings br i l l iant opportunities to explore Europe as the most innovative ships in the region offer hundreds of exceptional 2 to 16-Night Northern Europe and Mediterranean itineraries. Some of the most intriguing cruises in the region include the Western Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Baltic States, Northern Lights and the Arctic. This is also a great time to take a cruise-tour through Alaska’s thundering glaciers and wondrous inland treasures. Furthermore, for the ultimate cruise experience, travel aboard the world’s largest ships â€\" MS Oasis of the Seas and MS Allure of the Seas â€\" sailing to exotic destinations in the Caribbean and Bahamas all year round.

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