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Air Pacific, Fiji's national airline, recently revealed that it has inked partnerships with Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic), Zodiac company Weber Aircraft, and Singapore Airlines Engineering Company (SIAEC) for its re─launch in 2013. The airline will re─launch with a re─brand, returning to its original name, Fiji Airways.<br><br>“We're working with Panasonic, Weber/Zodiac, and SIAEC. These deals are consistent with our desire to work with the very best, as we continue to revitalise the airline and prepare to re─launch as 'Fiji Airways' next year,” said David Pflieger, Managing Director and CEO, Air Pacific.<br><br>Leading entertainment and communications provider, Panasonic, will install their eX2 in─flight entertainment system on the airline's new A330─200 aircraft, while Weber Aircraft will provide the seats for both Economy and Business Class on─board the new Airbus fleet. SIAEC will design the new fleet's cabin design and functionality.10─year tax holiday for new hotels in rural areas of Himachal Pradesh
The Himachal Pradesh government yesterday announced a ten─year tax holiday for all new hotel projects coming up in the state's tribal districts and other remote areas. The upcoming hotels will not be charged any luxury tax under the HP Tax on Luxuries (Hotels and Lodging Houses) Act, 1979 and the ten─year period will be calculated from the date they begin operations.<br><br>A decision, in this regard, was taken by the state cabinet at a meeting that was presided over by Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister, Government of Himachal Pradesh yesterday, according to a report by The Indian Express. “The decision is aimed at promoting tourism in rural areas and to divert tourist traffic from urban and popular holiday destinations to these areas. We also aim to create employment opportunities for youth in these areas,” said Dhumal.<br><br>Himachal Pradesh has been focussing on Rural Tourism, which has already proved reasonably successful, especially with the homestay and Har Gaon ki Kahani schemes.Hotel Leelaventure appoints marketing representatives in US for two properties
Hospitality firm, Hotel Leelaventure Ltd. yesterday said it has tied─up with Wegner Associates Inc and Nancy Rosene Associates for marketing its Delhi and Udaipur properties in the US, according to a report by PTI.<br><br>"Both companies will leverage their expertise in strengthening the sales and marketing efforts of the two hotels, building a direct link of communication and coordination between the hotels and luxury travel fraternity," Hotel Leelaventure said in a statement.<br><br>While Wegner Associates will represent Leela Palaces (New Delhi and Udaipur) on the East Coast of the US, Nancy Rosene Associates will represent the properties in the West Coast region, it added.<br><br>Commenting on the association, Tamir Kobrin, General Manager, The Leela Palace, New Delhi said, "Both of these companies bring an impeccable reputation and a remarkable track record in the luxury hospitality representation industry, which will garner the right exposure for us in these markets."Oriental Hotels posts Rs 4.85 crore net profit for Q4, 2012
Oriental Hotels Ltd. has reported a lower net profit of Rs 4.85 crore for the quarter ended March 31, against Rs 12 crore in the previous year period. Though the turnover for the period went up by over 15 per cent to Rs 82.72 crore from Rs 71.52 crore, expenses shot up by Rs 18 crore during the quarter. The company's board of directors has recommended a dividend of Rs 0.45 a share, according to a report by The Hindu Business Line.<br><br>For the whole year, the company's consolidated net profit stands at Rs 22.5 crore (Rs 29.17 crore in the previous year) on a turnover of Rs 319.87 crore (Rs 277.42 crore). In its regulatory filing, it has been mentioned that the income for the current year includes an additional turnover of Rs 6.53 crore from the new hotel in Coimbatore.AAI may grant deemed university status to Indira Gandhi National Aviation Institute
The Airports Authority of India has evinced interest in upgrading the Indira Gandhi National Civil Aviation Institute in Rae Bareli to the status of a deemed university. VP Agarwal, Chairman, AAI said that the institute could be made operational like a university, according to a report by The Times of India.<br><br>Agarwal also said that the authority would help upgrade the airport in Safai. "The airport is a state─owned enterprise. We will help to upgrade it, if the state government wishes," he said.<br><br>Though Agarwal refused to comment on the cancellation of an airport in Jewar, he said that the authority will lend its full support to the Uttar Pradesh government, which has proposed to set up an airport in Agra.<br><br>"It (Jewar airport) was the decision of the state government. We cannot say anything on that. But, as far as the one proposed in Agra is concerned, the authority will help the government in whatever ways it can," he said.Indian, Chinese airlines violate carbon emissions law: European Union
A total of 10 Chinese and Indian commercial airlines have broken EU law requiring them to offset their carbon emissions, while all other international carriers flying to or from Europe have complied, the European Union's climate chief said recently, according to a report by Reuters.<br><br>The EU law demanding all airlines participate in the EU's Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) has prompted outcry and threats of a trade war. But only eight Chinese and two Indian airlines have delivered on threats not to comply, while more than 1,200 airlines have met the EU's requirements.<br><br>"We have given them (India and China) until mid─June to report back their data," Connie Hedegaard, Climate Commissioner, EU said. The Commission, the EU's executive arm, has the option of fining airlines that break its law, or even banning repeat offenders from flying to Europe, although this would be a last resort.<br><br>To reduce tension, the Commission has looked to the U.N.'s International Civil Aviation Administration (ICAO) to come up with a global approach to curbing emissions from airlines. The body is expected to meet next month to review progress.Thailand, Gujarat considering tourism circuits to expand ties
Gujarat and Thailand are considering setting up tourism circuits to expand ties between the state and the country. A Thai delegation, led by Pisan Manawapat, Ambassador of Thailand to India, yesterday met Narendra Modi, Chief Minister, Government of Gujarat, and discussed various ways to mutually develop tourism and other sectors. Manawapat said, “About 60,000 Thai tourists visit Buddhist relic spots in India every year, and therefore, we are keen to set up a Buddhist Tourism circuit between Thailand and Gujarat.”<br><br>Accepting the suggestion of the Thai envoy, Modi suggested exploring possibilities of starting a Vishnu circuit between the two places considering the presence of ancient temples of Lord Vishnu in Thailand, according to a report by PTI. <br><br>Manawapat and Modi also agreed to start air services between Ahmedabad and Bangkok. Manawapat also expressed Thai companies' interest in partnering Gujarat in its housing and infrastructure projects, including the Delhi─Mumbai Industrial Corridor project.IRCTC starts selling air tickets through its portals
The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) recently started selling air tickets on its portals www.irctc.co.in and www.railtourismindia.com. The corporation has entered into direct agreements with airlines in the country like Air India, Jet Airways, SpiceJet, Kingfisher Airlines, IndiGo and GoAir.<br><br>IRCTC has developed an in─house air ticketing module for booking tickets. Customers will initially be able to book only domestic flights on Indian airlines. The facility for booking international flights on international carriers will be launched at a later stage. This information was provided by Bharatsinh Solanki, Minister of State for Railways, Government of India.Tourism Ministry asks states to rationalise tax structure to boost tourism
The Ministry of Tourism has advised both state governments and Union Territories to rationalise taxes for the growth of the tourism sector in the country. The government has asked the states to follow tourism─friendly policies like allotting land sites on revenue sharing basis, granting extra floor space index and floor area ratio (FAR) for hotels, creation of land banks, single window approach for promoting hotel projects, according to a report by PTI.<br><br>An investment─linked deduction under Section 35 AD of the Income Tax Act has been extended for new hotels under the two─star category and above, anywhere in India, to facilitate the growth of tourist accommodation in the country, he said.<br><br>The Reserve Bank of India has de─linked credit for hotel projects from commercial real estate, thereby enabling hotel projects to avail credit at relaxed norms and reduced interest rates.Double whammy for Indian travel agents By Hector D'souza, President, L'orient Travels, Mumbai
<IMG height=75 alt=hector_d'souza_small.jpg src="http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/NewsImages/hector_d'souza_small.jpg" width=65 align=left border=0><b><font color="#d18803">Double whammy for Indian travel agents</font></b><br><b>Hector D'souza</b><br>President,<br>L'orient TravelsEgyptian Tourism Office to participate at WITM 2012
The Egyptian Tourism Office (ETO) will participate in the World Islamic Tourism Mart (WITM) 2012. Organised by Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) in collaboration with the Islamic Tourism Centre, WITM 2012 will be held from May 31─June 2, 2012 at the Putra World Trade Centre & Pacific Grand Ballroom, Seri Pacific Hotel, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. WITM 2012 is aimed at promoting the Muslim tourism industry to the global market. The inaugural event will feature three major sections, namely the Consumer Travel Fair, Business─to─Business Travel Exchange and an international conference.<br><br>Adel El Masry, Director, Egyptian Tourism Office in India, said, “It is a pleasure to participate in MATTA's first ever WITM. We've had a wonderful response at other events, with good quality buyers showing interest in Egypt. For us, the contacts, network and insights we will receive are important.” Masry added that ETO will focus on the MICE, Leisure and Corporate Travel in the exhibition to woo leisure and business travellers.Tirath Shah, General Manager, RezLive.com
<IMG height=65 alt=Tirath_Shah_na_small.jpg src="http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/NewsImages/Tirath_Shah_na_small.jpg" width=70 align=left border=0><b>Tirath Shah</b><br>General Manager<br>RezLive.comRound Up
<IMG height=80 alt=150110_ss_small.jpg src="http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/NewsImages/150110_ss_small.jpg" width=100 align=left border=0><b>Dubai Calling</b>GCC countries may soon have common visas for cruise passengers
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are planning to introduce a single visa system for cruise passengers. The system is likely to be in place by September this year. "We have raised it (the visa issue) at the highest level and it is under way. Hopefully, we will have positive feedback," a senior official at the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) said. The plans have been under discussion for almost four years, media reports said.<br><br>"It will happen for sure before the next season. So it should be done by September this year," Hamad Mohamed bin Mejren, Executive Director ─ Business Tourism, DTCM told Gulf News. Mejren said the visa process will be eased for cruise passengers and the region's travel and tourism industry is pushing federal authorities to introduce the system as quickly as possible.IATA air transport market analysis March 2012
<b>IATA AIR TRANSPORT MARKET ANALYSIS March 2012</b>Growth of the Indian Aviation Industry: FICCI─KPMG report
<IMG height=55 alt=170511_sr_small.jpg src="http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/NewsImages/170511_sr_small.jpg" width=80 align=left border=0><b>Growth of the Indian Aviation Industry: FICCI─KPMG report</b>Kerala records more than one crore tourist arrivals in 2011
Kerala registered over one crore visitors during 2011, said A. P. Anil Kumar, Tourism Minister, Government of Kerala. Revenue earnings recorded by the sector during the period stood at Rs 19,037 crore, the minister said in an update of the government's performance in its first year in office yesterday in Thiruvananthapuram.<br><br>Of all inbound tourists, 7.3 lakh were foreign and 93.7 lakh domestic. This represented a year─on─year rise of 73,720 in the number of foreign tourists and as much as 7.86 lakh in domestic tourists, according to a report by The Hindu Business Line.<br><br>Foreign exchange earnings have gone up from Rs 3,797.37 crore in 2010 to Rs 4,221.99 crore in 2011. The Kerala Department of Tourism achieved 94.5 per cent utilisation of the annual plan funds during the period under reference. This was the best performance in at least the last 20 years, Kumar claimed.Prescription for 'Railwoes'
<IMG height=70 alt=issue34_focalpoint_small.jpg src="http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/NewsImages/issue34_focalpoint_small.jpg" width=65 align=left border=0><b>Hugh and Colleen Gantzer</b><br>Prescription for 'Railwoes'ATM 2012: India records new 'high' in business opportunities
<IMG height=59 alt=270412_if_small.jpg src="http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/NewsImages/270412_if_small.jpg" width=110 align=left border=0><b>ATM 2012: India records new 'high' in business opportunities</b>Going Beyond Vidya Balan
<IMG height=70 alt=anurag_yadav_new_small.jpg src="http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/NewsImages/anurag_yadav_new_small.jpg" width=65 align=left border=0><b>Going Beyond Vidya Balan</b><br>By Anurag YadavLama Tours: A Dynamic Growth Story
In the normal scheme of things, governments, tourism boards and overseas offices or representation companies, are usually the only entities to promote a tourist destination or travel products. However, the case seems to be taking different route when it comes to Dubai, as the Dubai administration's Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM) is not the only organisation promoting Dubai in overseas markets. Through the years, Lama Tours has taken upon itself the onus to promote Dubai as a destination. The 15─year─old tour company (Lama Desert Tourism LLC, 1997), a part of the Lama Group, has set its sights on growing to be one of the biggest tour operators in the Emirates. Lama Tours, which initially aimed to be a safari operator and provide desert adventures, forayed into the tourism business with a modest capital and a few cars to start a desert camp in Al Habab in 1997. Since then there has been no looking back, as Lama Tours went on establishing new business verticals and set up various divisions. The company also has other subsidiaries such as Color Creation, Smart Solutions and Lama Kiosks LLC.DTCM's Success Mantra: 'Definitely Dubai'
The success of any tourist destination depends on the way it has been promoted. For instance, if we consider the Indian market, international tourist offices such as Switzerland, South Africa and Thailand, with their innovative marketing─mix have managed to secure a large chunk of Indian tourists. Dubai for that matter, with its enhanced business and political strategy, has set an example for others to follow. “If you are looking for a unique destination that is a dynamic business centre as well as a tourist paradise offering attractions, shopping, fine dining and quality accommodation, it's Definitely Dubai,” exclaims the official tourism portal of Dubai in a large bold font; and why shouldn't it? Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has outdone itself in promoting the destination in international markets and the results are out there for all to see.<br><font color="#A52A2A" size="4"><br>Mission DTCM</font><br>To give a thrust to tourism, the Dubai government formed the Dubai Commerce and Tourism Promotion Board in 1989, which was later replaced by the DTCM in January, 1997.“We would like to see more growth in MICE traffic from India” ─ Paul Roll, Director, Paris Tourism Office
<IMG height=75 alt=paul_roll_small.jpg src="http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/NewsImages/paul_roll_small.jpg" width=65 align=left border=0><b>Paul Roll</b><br>Director,<br>Paris Tourism OfficeBusiness to Leisure: Middle East's Transformation in India
<b>Business to Leisure: Middle East's Transformation in India</b>Qatar Airways wins two awards at Skytrax 2012 World Airport Awards
Qatar Airways has won two accolades at the annual Skytrax 2012 World Airport Awards held in Vienna recently. For the second year in a row, Qatar Airways' Premium Terminal at Doha International Airport (DIA) has been named the 'World's Best Premium Service Airport'. While Qatar Airways─owned Oryx Rotana, a five─star hotel at Doha International Airport, has won the 'Best Airport Hotel in the Middle East' award it has also been ranked as the tenth best airport hotel in the world.<br><br>According to a release from the airline, the Premium Terminal which opened in 2006 is is for exclusive use of Qatar Airways' First and Business Class passengers and offers facilities like fine dining, spa, business centre etc. DIA emerged as a winner in face of stiff competition that included Frankfurt Airport's Lufthansa First Class Lounge and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport's Thai Airways First Class check─in and lounge facilities. The 400─room Oryx Rotana, a business hotel in the capital of Qatar features six signature dining options, high─tech business facilities, limousine car rental, multi─lingual staff and wireless Internet connection in all its guest rooms.International Focus: Hong Kong Disneyland Resort: A Mix of Nostalgia and Endless Fun
<IMG height=80 alt=070412_df_small.jpg src="http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/NewsImages/070412_df_small.jpg" width=100 align=left border=0><b>International Focus: Hong Kong Disneyland Resort: A Mix of Nostalgia and Endless Fun</b>Ireland extends short─stay visa waiver programme
Encouraged by the positive response to the short─stay visa waiver programme which was introduced for the first time last year, Alan Shatter T.D, Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, recentlly announced that the Government has agreed to extend the Programme for a further period of four years. The programme had originally been due to last until the end of October 2012 but on consideration of a review of the Programme, the Government agreed to extend its duration. <br><br>The Minister also announced the following changes to the Programme; Bosnia and Herzegovina will be added to the existing list of 16 countries already covered by the Programme. As a further measure to encourage tourism, the fee for visas will be waived for long─term residents from the countries covered by the Programme who live in the Schengen area. This will be reviewed after six months, as per a release.Indian MICE market expected to grow by 10─15 per cent in 2012
Undeterred by the global slowdown, Indian corporates are spending on corporate travel, pushing up the outbound market for MICE. The Indian outbound MICE market is estimated to be around USD 550─600 million and is expected to increase by 10─15 per cent in 2012. Forecasting a strong growth, Heena Akhtar, COO, Travelport said, "The slowdown meant that regular companies cut down on their corporate travel last year. But this year, we are expecting a revival in incentivised travel and meetings by corporates,'' she said. <br><br>About 1.5─1.8 million passengers travelled outbound for Meetings and Conventions. Pharmaceuticals, cement FMCG, IT and financial services are the major industries contributing to the sector. <br><br>According to a study on India's MICE market by Synovate Business Consulting, the most popular destinations in Europe in the last two years included Germany with 73 per cent opting for the destination followed by UK (52 per cent), France (51 per cent) and Switzerland (45 per cent).Indonesia Tourism to target Indian MICE segment
India has been identified as an important market and the Ministry of Tourism of Indonesia plans to focus on tapping the Indian MICE segment in order to boost Indian visitor arrivals and also to help achieve the target of eight million foreign tourist visits this year. The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia organised a workshop for the Indian travel trade on the sidelines of the recently concluded SATTE exhibition in New Delhi to educate and promote Indonesia as a MICE destination. Berman Lubis, Director of MICE, Indonesia did a presentation showcasing various destinations, products and facilities for MICE. “India is a significant and an active MICE market, especially Incentive segment for Indonesia,” stated Lubis. Indonesia, according to Lubis, recorded 168122 Indian tourists last year, a 15.8 per cent increase over 2010, which witnessed 145179 Indian tourist arrivals.Cards & Payments Asia 2012 to be held in Singapore in April 2012
The 17th edition of the Cards & Payments Asia 2012, a smart technology exhibition, will showcase new technologies in Near Field Communication (NFC) and contactless payment together with ta spectrum of smart technology initiatives. The event will be held in Singapore from April 25─27, 2012 at the Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre. Richard Ireland, Chief Executive, Terrapinn Asia Pacific said, “This year's Cards & Payments Asia not only allows attendees to gain valuable insights on how to capitalise on the exponential growth of e─commerce and mobile commerce, but leverage on cutting─edge knowledge of multi─channel strategies for effective customer engagement, making it a must-attend event for all stakeholders seeking an edge over their competitions.”Top Luxury Travel Trends for 2012: Thomas Stanley, Head Cox & Kings, The Americas
"Ends of the Earth" Journeys: Intrepid travelers have always had a yen for far─flung sojourns, but are now looking beyond the more obvious alluring destinations like Thailand and South Africa for their exotic escapades. “More and more, modern travelers are craving locales that are way off the radar – and in most cases, that actually means 'under the radar'” says Stanley. “These include rarely visited European countries such as Albania and Serbia, the Russian Far East, and Greenland; Central Asian spots such as Uzbekistan; and offshore destinations such as the Falkland Islands and Papua New Guinea.” These quirkier, off─the─beaten─path destinations provide a more thorough and intimate look at remote corners of the world – not to mention afford the traveler a more unique story upon return.<br><br>Mind, Body & Soul Vacations: Travel insiders see a rise in holistic vacations, attributing the trend to travelers' shifting perceptions of personal growth. “True luxury is an experience that will last a lifetime, and destinations that offer these transcendent journeys provide exactly that," explains Stanley.Mandip Singh Soin, Managing Director, Ibex Expeditions
<IMG height=70 alt=030911_dil_small.jpg src="http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/NewsImages/030911_dil_small.jpg" width=65 align=left border=0><b>Mandip Singh Soin</b><br>Managing Director,<br>Ibex ExpeditionsTAT strengthens branding via new Amazing Thailand campaign
Considering the appeal the 'Amazing Thailand, Always Amazes You' marketing campaign has evoked globally, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would be wise to stick to the same campaign in the coming years. Following its success, the agency will try to exploit modern communication channels to enhance the campaign's visibility in future. TAT will also sponsor events to reach target segments in key markets, globally. <br><br>Speaking about their targets for 2012, Suraphon Svetasreni, Governor, TAT, said, “Responding to constant and incessant change is now our biggest challenge. TAT has set a target of 19.5 million international tourist arrivals in 2012 to generate an estimated revenue of 760 billion Baht (USD 24.85 billion) – a growth of around nine per cent over 2011. The target for domestic tourism is 93 million trips with an expected revenue accrual of 453 billion Baht (USD 14.70 billion).” This year, greater focus will be on Domestic Tourism, with stress on boosting the image of domestic travel, organising activities to promote it, publicising new value for money products and services, and using domestic travel as a means for building national identity.Thomas Cook introduces City Break package
<IMG height=55 alt=special_offer_22.jpg src="http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/NewsImages/special_offer_22.jpg" width=80 align=left border=0><b>Thomas Cook introduces City Break package</b>Joys of a Journey
We have, over the last four years, covered the business of travel from a very close range. While doing so, we have also very often been caught up in the nitty─gritties that make up this industry. However, it is very ironic ─ and I realised this only very recently ─ that the journey we had embarked on very coincidentally mirrors the journey of the travel industry itself during the same period. In TravelBiz Monitor, we have often spoken about the fact that the entire concept of travel is changing rapidly from seeing to actual engagement, and hence Experiential Tourism is undoubtedly the future. In our case, I must say that it has been quite the same. The journey has been an experience in itself. On our fourth anniversary, as I look back on all that has unfolded since we launched, I dare say that the good times of 2007, followed by the recession of 2008 and 2009 and now the consolidation phase of 2010 and 2011 holds true as much for us, as for the travel industry in general.<br><br>To establish a new publication in those trying circumstances would not have been possible if <b><i>TravelBiz Monitor</i></b> was perceived as an outsider to this industry.ADTOI plans to organise road shows in Guwahati and Shillong in July 2011
The Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI), in partnership with Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDONER) and North East Industrial Development Finance Corporation (NEDFi), has decided to organise road shows in Guwahati (Assam) and Shillong (Meghalaya) in July 2011. The road show in Guwahati will be held on July 7 & 8, while the on in Shillong will be held on July 9. As per the plan, the two day road show in Guwahati will also include Business to Business (B2B) meetings.VisitBritain to organise MICE mission in Mumbai and Delhi this month─ end
With an aim to showcase its MICE offerings in the Indian market, VisitBritian has decided to organise a MICE mission in Mumbai on the 28th of this month and in Delhi on 29th of this month. For the mission, the tourism board will bring seven delegates representing various travel and tour companies offering MICE products. The tourism board is expecting about 100 to 150 Indian buyers for each of the MICE mission. Therefore, the board will be inviting event management companies, professional conference organisers, association heads and representatives, event organisers and corporates for the mission. <br> <br>According to Paramjit Bawa, Country Manager (India), VisitBritain, “There is a huge growth opportunity in MICE business from India to United Kingdom.” United Kingdom records about 32 per cent growth in MICE and business travellers from India every year.Egencia releases 2011 Corporate Travel Forecast and Hotel Negotiability Index
Egencia, an Expedia, Inc. company, has unveiled its 2011 Corporate Travel Forecast and Hotel Negotiability Index, finding that Average Ticket Prices (ATPs) for top corporate travel destinations will remain relatively flat to slightly up and Average Daily Rates (ADRs) will be slightly up overall in North America, Europe and Asia─Pacific. New to this year's forecast is an Advance Purchase Advisory that identifies ideal advance booking windows and potential savings for flight purchase in nearly 40 markets around the world. After a year of significant flexibility, Egencia's Hotel Negotiability Index suggests that corporations will face a more challenging negotiating environment in<br>2011.<br><br>To arrive at these findings, the study evaluates global industry trends, macroeconomic factors, in─depth research of supplier markets and capacity across air, hotel and car rental channels in both domestic and international destinations, along with booking window analysis tailored for business travellers.test
testItzCash Card Ltd. ties up with Cox & Kings to facilitate online air ticket booking
Cash cards have emerged as the preferred mode of payment in the rapidly growing online travel booking market. According to the 90Di Survey, in India, 54 per cent of air ticket booking is done online, with cash cards cornering a 28.8 per cent share of the total online ticket booking. ItzCash Card Ltd., one of India's leading cash card companies, to further consolidate its market share in this segment has tied up with Cox & Kings to facilitate online air ticket booking. With this tie─up, all Cox & Kings customers can now avail the benefits of booking their tickets online by using ItzCash card.<br><br>This tie─up is a part of ItzCash's plans to expand its market reach in the travel segment where it has tie─ups with prominent travel portals and travel agencies like Yatra.com, Cleartrip.com, Makemytrip.com, Thomas Cook and many more to provide better travelling experience to travellers. ItzCash, in a short span of five years has expanded its reach to service millions of customers in the travel segment.Asian tourism organisations launch sellasianow.com, an exclusive website for travel agents
Eight Asian tourism organizations i.e. Hong Kong Tourism Board, India Tourism, Japan National Tourism Organisation, Korea Tourism Organisation, Macau Government Tourist Office, Philippine Department of Tourism, Singapore Tourism Board and Tourism Authority of Thailand in collaboration with leading tour operators and airlines operating to Asia have designed a website exclusively for travel agents─ <a href="http://www.sellasianow.com" rel="nofollow" target="blank">www.sellasianow.com</a>. <br><br>With Sell Asia Now, agents can access deals on packages and flights to Asia, exclusive booking incentives offered by Asia Now partner tour operators and airlines and become eligible to win cash rewards. According to a report in travelagentcentral.com, the top three agents to book the most packages and/or flights to Asia available on the website will win up to USD1, 500. Additional incentives can be found on the site, including a 12 per cent commission on Asia Classic Tours booked by this month end and USD 100 commission on all exclusive Sell Asia Now packages with Asia Luxe Holidays.Optimising processes during downturn
The current economical downturn is the biggest challenge the hospitality industry is facing today. The industry has already seen significant downturn in the business and everyone is hoping that things do not get worse. Hotels are resorting to various traditional cost cutting ways in order to deal with this situation. Some of them are downsizing their overall HR needs, while some have dropped their expansion plans.<br><br>We think this is the time for hoteliers to have a serious look at all the internal processes and evaluate if they are effective and efficient. One needs to ask questions like is the process needed? Does it do the job the way it should? Is it the best way?<br><br>This is where we think our product Hospitality E─management which is specifically designed to cater to optimise the processes thereby making them most efficient, effective and economical is so criticial especially in areas like knowledge management, HR, guest relationship management, procurement, F&B management, finance, reporting and dashboard and complete suite of surveys and audits which are inbuilt.Delhi International Airport tightens security after firing scare
According to a PTI report, the security at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in New Delhi was put on high alert in the wee hours today following the reported hearing of gunshots. The scare followed a passenger claiming to have heard sound of two gunshots firing at around 1.15 am near gate no 4, but there was no eyewitness, Udayan Banerjee, Commissioner of Security for Airports (COSA) told PTI.<br><br>However, the airport was already on a high alert following intelligence warning that there could be a terror attack or a hijack ahead of the Babri Masjid demolition anniversary tomorrow. The Quick Reaction Team (QRT) of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) swung into action along with Delhi Police immediately after the reported incident.<br><br>”We received a call that some passengers heard a sound similar to two gunshots, but there were no eyewitnesses. No evidence has so far come up to suggest that it was a firing and we cannot confirm it as a gunshot. After the sound, the CISF and Delhi Police swung into action and intensified the checking at the airport,” Banerjee said.Customised Packages v/s Dynamic Packages
Customised holiday packages are designed according to a traveller's requirements, preferences and budget. Customised packages are fast picking up among discerning travellers who have discovered relevant information about the destination from the Internet or have read books on the destination. The traveller has some idea with regards to what he wants to do on his holiday and which are the places he would like to visit. ─── <b>Vishal Suri</b>, Chief Operating Officer, Leisure ─ Outbound, Thomas Cook India Ltd<br><br>Dynamic packaging is a mechanism used in package holiday bookings, enabling consumers to build their own packages of flights, accommodation and car hire on the Internet instead of booking a pre─designed package from a travel agent. Dynamic packaging can be defined as the combination of different travel components, clubbed and priced in real time, in response to the requests of the consumer or booking agent. ─── <b>Yogesh Rathi</b>, CEO, Etours CRSAirlines overhaul IT systems to adapt to changing travel industry
The aviation industry hit turbulent times when Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices went soaring high, leading to unimaginable losses. And delivering another crushing blow was the global economic crisis and liquidity crunch which has created a downturn in passenger movement across the globe, including India. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Indian carriers are expected to suffer cumulative operational losses of USD 1.5 billion (close to Rs 6,800 crore) in 2008 while the global aviation industry losses are expected to be around USD 4.1 billion. As a matter of fact, the tourism industry which recorded a steady growth of 15 to 20 per cent in the past few years might also face a slowdown in the coming year due to the fall─out effect of the financial crisis. With almost all airlines, global as well as Indian, moving to implement effective cost cutting measures, it is time that carriers use technology to their benefit by adopting the right practices. In this regard, Amadeus, the world's leading provider of travel distribution and IT solutionsJewel Classic Hotels to set up second property in Karnal
Karnal─based Jewel Classic Hotels will set up its second hotel property at Karnal, Haryana, by end─2009. The property, which is under construction at a prime location on National Highway 1, will be the first five─star property of the Group. The hotel will come up on eight acres of land and will consist of 140 rooms.<br><br>Manbeer Chaudhary, Managing Director, Jewel Classic Hotels Pvt. Ltd. said, “The hotel will have a 2.50 lakh square feet area with a commercial space of 32,000 square feet. In Haryana, we are free to use 15 per cent of our total FAR for commercial purposes.” About the hotel having a spa, convention facilities and multi─cuisine restaurants, Chaudhary said, “We want to take the advantage of our proximity to New Delhi. Therefore, we will promote the hotel by offering special weekend packages.” The Group is in talks with international brands like Hilton, Sheraton, and Carlson for franchise agreements for the upcoming hotel. Jewel Classic Hotels currently has a four─star property in Karnal with around 45 deluxe executive class rooms and ten suites.Omkar Properties to launch their first resort by Dec '08
Mumbai─based Omkar Properties Pvt. Ltd. will launch their first property, a resort 'Blue Ocean Resort & Spa' at Ratnagiri in Maharashtra. The resort, to be operational by December 2008, will have villa style and five─star facilities. The resort will have around 15,000 sq ft area dedicated to a spa. The Group has acquired 40 acres of land near Ganpatipule in Ratnagiri and has developed around nine acres of that land. They will initially start up with 25 villas and two restaurants by December 2008 and will come up with a total number of 100 villas and six restaurants in the next two to three years. The Group recently acquired 25 acres of land at Ratnagiri for developing private villas. Construction work on the villas will begin in October, 2008. The Group is also considering the resort for franchise agreement.Travel agents are here to stay...
<IMG height=70 alt=Anil_Punjabi_small.jpg src="http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/NewsImages/Anil_Punjabi_small.jpg" width=65 align=left border=0><b>Anil Punjabi</b><br>Chairman (Eastern India Chapter)<br> Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI)Kerala launches home stay classification scheme
In keeping with the emerging trend of tourism based on home stays, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, the Minister for Tourism, Kerala, recently launched the home stay classification scheme in the State.Banerjee appointed as new Secretary Tourism
Sheelbhadra Banerjee, took over as the new Secretary Tourism at Ministry of Tourism, Transport Bhawan, New Delhi. A 1971 I.A.S. (A.P.)Andhra Pradesh to get another airport
Brahmani Industries Limited (BIL) is planning to develop an airport in Cuddapah district, near the location of its proposed two million tonnes per annum (tpa) integrated steel projectCopyright 2010 © My Goa Trip. All Rights Reserved
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