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MP to host the AdventureNEXT India, 3-5 December 2018

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Madhya Pradesh to host the inaugural AdventureNEXT India

Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is hosting ‘AdventureNEXT’ – in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh from 3-5 December, 2018. AdventureNEXT event is organized by Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) all over the world. This is for the first time the event has come to Asia.

AdventureNEXT, a venture by ATTA, works towards putting emerging adventure destinations on the global map. The venture allows countries and regions looking to establish and position themselves as attractive adventure destinations to host an AdventureNEXT event. Through these events, local suppliers are given opportunities to interact with international buyers and media. Furthermore, AdventureNEXT also hosts a wide variety of speakers and workshops for delegates who want to expand and professionalise their product offerings.

The call of the Indian paradise flycatcher provides a soundtrack as you stand on the worn trail in Madhya Pradesh’s Kanha National Park, but your eyes are drawn to something else: a royal Bengal tiger sunning itself, its distinctive orange coat with black stripes far more impressive than any photograph can convey. Close your eyes and you can almost hear its raspy breathing, its textured tongue grazing the fur on a front paw while it bathes.

The “tiger state” of India is a conservation success story, home to nine national parks devoted to preservation, and extensive forest cover that inspired Rudyard Kipling’s “Jungle Book.” On any given day, glimpse locals walking along the River Narmada, Madhya Pradesh’s lifeline, as they make the 3,000-kilometer barefoot walk to pay their homage. Feast your eyes on palaces built more than 2,000 years ago without any modern scientific tools. Prep the palate for crispy, sweet cardamom-flavored jaleibis and Bhopal kebabs made from minced meats cooked over coals.

AdventureNEXT events travel the globe introducing adventure destinations to international buyers and media while incorporating educational workshops and sessions covering regional topics. This December is India’s time to shine. Embodying the event’s theme, Pulse of Tomorrow, delegates will tune into their professional calling and explore future-driven business opportunities from Madhya Pradesh, the heart of India.
For more information please visit the website : AdventureNEXT India

Vistara Set to Take a Leap Forward in Growth

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Vistara CEO Mr. Leslie Thng

Vistara set to take a leap forward in growth

Vistara, India’s finest full-service carrier, a joint venture of Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, has agreed to place firm orders with Airbus for 13 aircraft from the A320neo family and with Boeing for six 787-9 Dreamliner. Together, the deals are valued at USD 3.1 billion, based on published list prices.

Vistara In-flight

“India’s position as the world’s fastest growing
domestic aviation market and its impressive growth in air passenger traffic that has more than doubled over
the last decade, makes us confident of our aggressive plans
for domestic expansion and international foray”

The letter of intent signed with Airbus comprises 13 firm-ordered A320neo and A321neo aircraft, as well as options for seven more aircraft from the A320neo family. In addition, Vistara will lease another 37 new A320neo-family aircraft from leasing companies. Together, Vistara will be adding a total of 50 A320neo-family aircraft into its existing fleet.

Vistara has selected the LEAP 1-A engines from CFM International to power the A320neo and A321neo aircraft, which will be due for delivery between 2019 and 2023. Vistara will use these aircraft to densify its domestic network and to support its international operations planned for later this year.

The letter of intent signed with Boeing comprises six firm-ordered 787-9 Dreamliner and Purchase Rights for four more aircraft from the 787 Dreamliner family. Vistara has selected the General Electric GEnx-1B engines to power the aircraft, which are scheduled to be delivered between 2020 and 2021. The 787-9s are intended for use on medium-haul and long-haul international routes.

CEO Speaks

Vistara CEO, Mr. Leslie Thng, said, “India’s position as the world’s fastest growing domestic aviation market and its impressive growth in air passenger traffic that has more than doubled over the last decade, makes us confident of our aggressive plans for domestic expansion and international foray. These orders are a landmark step in Vistara’s journey and demonstrate our deep-rooted commitment to contributing to the rise of the Indian aviation industry and to offering more choices to our customers.”

“We are delighted to further deepen our relationship with Airbus and to join hands with Boeing to strengthen our modern and fuel-efficient fleet that will help achieve our thought-through ambitions.”

The addition of the new aircraft will complement Vistara’s existing fleet of 13 Airbus A320ceo and 8 A320neo aircraft that have enabled the airline thus far to achieve operational excellence. From the initial order, Vistara has an impending delivery for one A320neo which is due in September 2018.

Vistara today serves 22 destinations with over 800 flights a week and fleet of 21 aircraft. In a short span of time since starting operations in 2015, the airline has redefined the air travel experience for travellers in India, and has already flown 10 million happy customers.

Pullman to Open First Hotel in Singapore

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Pullman Paris

AccorHotels and EL Development Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based property developer, have announced they will open a new-build five-star Pullman on a prime site on Hill St, in the civic and cultural heart of the city. The 342-room hotel will be Singapore’s first Pullman and will feature a rooftop bar and executive lounge with sweeping views over Fort Canning, the Singapore River and St Andrew’s Cathedral, along with a vibrant lobby, health and fitness centre and pool. The hotel is set to open in 2022 after a complete redevelopment of the site.

Pullman London

Mr Lim Yew Soon, Managing Director of EL Development Pte Ltd said, “We are pleased to appoint AccorHotels to manage our first hotel and we will bring the same high quality that symbolises our residential and mixed-use buildings to what will be our first hotel development.
“We are confident that the Pullman brand is the perfect fit for the market in Singapore as the brand has really built a strong reputation, especially in Asia.”

“Pullman is one of the true success stories of the hotel industry and we are delighted to be able to announce our first Pullman for Singapore

The Pullman brand is one of the fastest-growing upper upscale brands in the world and since launching in Bangkok in 2007, it has become the hotel of choice for a new generation of hyper-connected travellers seeking contemporary design, culture and connectivity in a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
“Pullman is one of the true success stories of the hotel industry and we are delighted to be able to announce our first Pullman for Singapore,” said Michael Issenberg, Chairman and CEO of AccorHotels Asia Pacific. “As the largest hotel operator in Singapore, we believe the new Pullman will fill a gap in the market for a smart, modern hotel that meets the demands of the discerning digital traveller.”
There are currently over 120 Pullman hotels in 33 countries worldwide and Asia Pacific accounts for more than 70 hotels and resorts and more than 21,000 rooms.
Pullman Singapore will join a range of flagship addresses worldwide including Pullman London St Pancras, Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel, Pullman Phuket Arcadia, Pullman Park Lane Hong Kong.

Maritim Hotel Dresden Can Host 6000 People to Meetings & Conventions

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Editor
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Jörg Bacher

Jörg Bacher, General Manager at the Maritim Hotel & International Congress Centre Dresden invites the world to meet at state of the art convention centre. In a candid interview he elaborates the unique facilities created for hosting seamless conventions.
Interview edited by Neeraj Narain

Maritim Hotel & International Congress Centre Dresden

What is unique about the Maritim Hotel & International Congress Centre Dresden?
The Hotel is convenient in an old monument protected warehouse. It is located onto the banks of the river “Elbe” between the Congress Centre (both buildings are connected by a tunnel to each other) and the Saxony parliament. The Congress Centre is welcoming up to 6.000 people to meetings & conventions. The hotel offers 328 rooms with a size from 29 m² and larger.

What should we see during our stay in Dresden?
The cultural highlights of Dresden were the “Dresden Semperoper”, the “Zwinger Palace”, “Frauenkirche” (Church of our Lady) or steamboat ride to Pillnitz. Furthermore, you reach the Saxon Switzerland to go hiking for example in less than an hour (by car) or just visiting the Moritzburg Lakes with its castle and game enclosure.

In between conference events, what are the best restaurants to sample authentic local cuisine?
Because of the preferences of the Saxonian King August the strong, the local cuisine serves sweet dishes as small pancakes (“Quarkkäulchen”) or the traditional “Dresden Eierschecke cake”. Another local dish is pork roast with crackling. All of that can be served in the Congress Centre – our chef de cuisine is specializing in cooking the local offers.  Alternatively some restaurants nearby (within 10 minutes walking distance) there is a restaurant, which is located in a vault (“Sophienkeller”).

Maritim Hotel, Dresden – Superior Room

Please give some practical advice to help your guests in getting them around the city.
Within 10 to 15 minutes walking distance, you reach all cultural highlights in Dresden (“Frauenkirche”, “Zwinger Palace” and many more) so the best is just to take a stroll along the banks of the river. Alternatively, you can rent a bike of the hotel or use the tram or buses around.

What would you say is the city’s best-kept secret, local hangout or little known attraction?
Young travelers should have seen the new town by night – here you have many bars to pull an all-nighter.
A must-see for kids is the “Kunsthofpassage” one of the most refreshingly artistic spaces in the new town of Dresden. Music created by water running down interlinked rain pipes affixed to a turquoise fascade.
Other classics with should have been seen were the “Frauenkirche” (Church of our Lady), Moritzburg Castle or Pillnitz Castle (take the paddle steamer for a relaxed journey).

Which seasonal activities are a must-do?
Throughout the year, Dresden offers many different activities to visit. The year in Dresden starts with a gala event par excellence. Many guest, including H.R.H. Queen Silvia of Sweden, the Irish singer and songwriter Bob Geldof, the actor Ornella Muti as well as many more important person of culture, politics, sports, charity or other attended the “SemperOpernball” during the last 11 years.
Musicians should schedule their trip to Dresden for May or autumn. In May, the absolutely highlight is the “International Dixxieland festival”. The “Jazz days” are in autumn each year.
16 stages, 85 concerts with 350 artists – this, you just find in Dresden during the summer month at the “Dresden Schlössernacht”.
Another activity in summer is the “Filmnächte am Elbufer” – whilst sitting at the banks of the Elbe, you enjoy different acts per day. In 2017 e.g. Sting, the Pet Shop Boys or movies.
After last Sunday before Advent until Christmas Eve, the “Dresdner Striezelmark” opens its doors – a wonderful Christmas Market.

The Maritim Hotelgesellschaft is Germany’s largest owner-managed hotel group. It has 33 properties across Germany as well as hotels in Mauritius, Egypt, Turkey, Malta, Spain and China.

British Airways Latest In-Flight Entertainment Brings Music To The Ears Travellers

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London Symphony Orchestra Ranald Mackechnie

BA’s latest announcement will be music to the ears of British Airways customers, as the airline has added tracks from the London Symphony Orchestra to its in-flight entertainment system.

A selection of music from 10 London Symphony Orchestra albums are now available on board, spanning the classical, opera and choral genres.

The Orchestra performs tracks from world-renowned composers including Mozart, Verdi, Haydn, and Debussy among others. Customers will also recognise a number of tracks from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet, the 1984 film Amadeus and Holst’s The Planets, one of the most popular and widely recognised musical works of the 20th century.

LSO Percussion Ensemble

Carolina Martinoli, British Airways’ Director of Brand and Customer Experience, said: “It’s a real pleasure to be adding music from the London Symphony Orchestra to our entertainment system, which gives customers even more choice on what they want to listen to or watch on board. They’re an example of brilliant British talent with a fascinating history, which we know our customers will enjoy regardless of whether they’ve listened to much orchestral music previously.”

Becky Lees, Head of LSO Live, the London Symphony Orchestra’s award-winning record label, said: “The London Symphony Orchestra has a mission to bring its music to as many people as possible.  We’re delighted to share this selection of our live recordings via British Airways’ in-flight entertainment system.  International touring is an important part of the Orchestra’s life so this is an excellent way to give British Airways customers the chance to explore our music making as they also travel the globe.”

New World Traveller Plus Seats

These changes to British Airways’ in-flight entertainment system are just one of a number of ways that the airline is looking to better-serve its customers. Earlier this year a renewed food offering was rolled out in World Traveller including, on longer flights, a full second meal. In Club World, new dining and White Company bedding is being rolled out across the network. These changes come as part of the airline’s £4.5 billion investment for customers over the next five years which also includes new cabins in its Boeing 777 aircraft operating out of Gatwick.  The new aircraft cabins feature an in-flight Panasonic entertainment system which has been updated with larger HD screens. The screen size has doubled from six to 12 inches in World Traveller Plus and increased from six to 10 inches in World Traveller.

Customers who fly with British Airways on long-haul flights have free access to over 1,000 hours of films, TV shows and audio programmes via their personal seatback screen. The content is updated regularly, with categories often added for major holidays or key calendar events.

TAAI Convention Srinagar – A Reverberating Success

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Chief Minister of J&K addressing the TAAI Convention

Hon’ble Chief Minister acknowledges TAAI for the handholding
TAAI at Kashmir after 30 Years
Delegates amazed with TAAI’s arrangements

The 3 day most historic TAAI Convention, an eagerly awaited event of the Travel & Tourism industry of India, resulted in resounding success. The 64th Convention and Exhibition of TAAI was organized at the most prestigious and mesmerizing city, Srinagar, “the crown jewel” of Kashmir valley situated on the banks of Jhelum River flanked by the snow-clad mountains from 27th to 30th March, 2018. The convention was ably supported by Ministry of Tourism, Jammu & Kashmir. The event received excellent cooperation and support from the Convention Hotels; Hotel Associations; House Boat Owners Association and other travel and tourism associations of J&K. TAAI J&K Chapter played the role of coordinating committee for the convention and delivered a great event.

The Convention was inaugurated by Her Excellency, Madam Mehbooba Mufti, Chief Minister, Jammu and Kashmir. She acknowledged TAAI for the hand-holding extended as she delivered a touching address to the delegates and compared Kashmir with “Jannat”. Minister for Tourism, J&K, Mr Tassaduq Hussain Mufti who addressed the convention, was present along with six other ministers of J&K. State Minister for Tourism, Ms Preeti Seth also addressed the audience.

Organizing Team at the Convention

In the words of TAAI President, Sunil Kumar, it offered to Jammu & Kashmir – Visibility; Connect and Opportunity.  The manner in which the event was covered by the Media and the industry partners through digital and social media connect, brought in extensive visibility that Kashmir is a safe place for tourists and such large MICE events can be held here. It offered J&K with a huge connect – with the industry; with the Media and with the world in general. It is now an opportunity before J&K to optimize the TAAI presence in Kashmir where the TAAI convention was held most successfully with over 650 delegates participation from across India and some countries of the world.

Over 45 media leaders travelled with TAAI to Srinagar to cover the event and they were inspired by the hi-quality convention that TAAI presented. The Convention brought to the forefront the most outstanding beauty of Kashmir; its serenity; awesome scenic wonder and the warmth expressed by the local citizens who were absolutely courteous to offer the delegates a life-time experience.

Arabian Travel Market 2018 Opens in Dubai

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Editor
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Simon Press, Senior Exhibition Director, ATM

Over 2,500 exhibitors and 40,000 industry professionals from 150 countries to celebrated 25th edition of the largest travel and tourism event in the Middle East

Travel trade professionals from across the world’s hospitality industry will descended upon Dubai for the opening of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2018, the region’s leading travel industry showcase.

Arabian Travel Market, Dubai

Simon Press, Senior Exhibition Director, ATM, said: “We have visitors registered from all corners of the globe covering all segments of the hospitality industry for what promises to be the biggest show yet in the event’s 25-year history.

“The growth and scale of ATM 2018 is testament to the buoyant travel and tourism industry here in the MENA region. With Expo 2020 now just two years away, this growth will undoubtedly continue as Dubai aims to complete 160,000 hotel rooms in time to welcome an additional five million visitors over the course of the event.”

Celebrating its 25th year, ATM 2018, which took place at Dubai World Trade Centre, will showcase the largest exhibition of regional and global hotel brands in the history of ATM, with hotels comprising 20% of the total show area.

40,000 Industry Professionals in ATM Dubai

Building on the success of last year’s exhibition, where more than 39,000 industry professionals agreed deals worth US$2.5bn, ATM 2018 welcomed over 2,500 confirmed exhibitors including 65 national pavilions.

More than 100 new exhibitors debuted ATM debut this year, including Visit Finland, Guizhou Province of China, Hungarian Tourism Agency Ltd, Polish Tourist Organisation, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dubai Municipality Leisure Facilities Department, Yas Experiences, Indigo Airlines, Kurdistan Tourism, Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau, Jakarta City Government Tourism and Culture Office and Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration to name a few.

 

 

Virgin Atlantic Unveil Economy Delight, Economy Classic and Economy Light

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Sir Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Atlantic

From Spring 2018, customers will be able to choose to fly ‘Economy Delight, ‘Economy Classic’ or ‘Economy Light’

Economy Delight will offer the UK’s leading economy product – featuring a 34 inch legroom seat, free advanced seat assignment, and priority boarding/check in

Part of a wider investment to deliver innovations on the ground and in the air Virgin Atlantic has recently announced the launch of three new ways to fly economy as part of a multi-million pound investment in the cabin for the 21st century traveller.

Virgin Atlantic Economy Class

Recognising that one size doesn’t fit all, from spring 2018 Virgin Atlantic will introduce ‘Economy Delight, ‘Economy Classic’ and ‘Economy Light’ tickets. The three new ways to fly will allow customers to choose the product that suits their budget and travel style – but never compromise on inclusive food and drink, unrivaled service, and in-flight entertainment.

Economy Delight will offer the leading economy product of any UK airline  – customers will enjoy a seat with 34 inch legroom, priority check in and boarding as well as advanced seat assignment. Economy Classic will now offer free seat assignment – providing extra reassurance for families and groups that they can sit together. The new Economy Light ticket will always offer Virgin Atlantic’s lowest fare – making long haul travel affordable and accessible for millennials, and customers jetting off on city breaks.

What the new fares offer:

Economy Light: Pack light and pay less. Choose your seat for free at check in, then sail through security with hand luggage only.  Meals, drinks and snacks included,  Hand baggage only,  No refunds or changes.

Economy Classic: Little extras that make a big difference.  Take a bag and choose your seats in advance. Meals, drinks and snacks included,  1 x 23kg checked bag,  Free seat selection at any time,  Upgradeable with miles.

Economy Delight: A bit more legroom, a lot more style.  Take the comfort level up a notch and get settled in sooner. Meals, drinks and snacks included,  1 x 23kg checked bag,  Free seat selection at any time,  Upgradeable with miles,  Extra legroom seat,  Premium check in,  Priority boarding.

Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Atlantic, said: “When I started Virgin Atlantic I wanted to challenge the status quo and make flying amazing – regardless of which cabin you’re in – and that’s still true today.  We’re unveiling a multimillion pound investment to make Virgin Atlantic’s Economy cabin the best of any UK airline and setting the bar for others to follow.”

Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts Put Family First

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Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort and Spa, Malaysia

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, the Hong Kong-based luxury hotel operator, revealed comprehensive details about its new family-focused features across multiple destinations.   

Treetop Theme Beds at Shangri-La Singapore

Leading the way is the Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore, which launched its child-friendly services with Buds by Shangri-La, a 2,150-square-meter indoor and outdoor play space devoted to children between the ages of one and 12 years. The interactive play space is designed to encourage fun and family time as well as learning through play.

“Themed activity spaces have been created for budding artists, performers and chefs, plus there is a party room for celebrations. For peace of mind, each child wears a radio-frequency enabled wristband so parents can
monitor the child’s location“

As part Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore’s recent Tower Wing renovation, the hotel created 19 new deluxe family rooms and five themed family suites each accommodating two adults and two children under 12 years. The suites and rooms measure 76 and 38 square meters, respectively, and are located on a dedicated family floor. Suites offer dream-themed beds, including a castle and space craft.

In addition, the hotel offers a wide range of childcare amenities including car seats, strollers, travel cots and even bath time toys so families can travel lighter.

At Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort and Spa – just 15 minutes from central Singapore on Sentosa Island – a comprehensive recreational programme with an array of activities, awaits junior guests at the kids’ club.

Catering for children between five and 12, the kids’ club features a three-story treehouse with a slide from top to bottom. On the first level, there are books, a stage for fun musical performances, and an arts and craft room. Kids also have their own ‘zone’ in the Seashell restaurant, which features a child-friendly buffet counter scaled down for kids. For infants there’s a dedicated babies zone providing complimentary baby food, milk bottle sterilisers, baby utensils, baby wipes and all the essentials.

In Malaysian Borneo, Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort and Spa will launch new immersive guest experiences this July in its nature reserve. The innovative recreational offerings will enhance the reserve’s conservation education programme, as well as introduce a range of cultural and adventure experiences perfect for children and young adults.

The protected 64-acre nature reserve is nestled within Shangri-La Rasa Ria’s 400 acres of tropical jungle and is home to the long-tailed macaques, western tarsiers, bear cats and the

famous huge-eyed slow loris, plus over 60 species of birds, 100 species of butterflies, pangolins and a wide spectrum of native plants.

AccorHotels Showcase 2018- Exciting times for the MICE Market

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Arif Patel - Vice President of Sales, Marketing, Distribution & Loyalty, AccorHotels India with Kerry Healy - Vice President of Sales - Asia Pacific, AccorHotels - at AccorHotels Showcase in Delhi

Outbound and inbound travel from and to India has been on the rise. As per research reports, in 2017, Indian travellers took three leisure trips and two in five Indians took international trips. This was clearly reflected at the AccorHotels Showcase 2018, which witnessed participation from 35 hotels & resorts from the global network along with 22 hotels from India. The Showcase was the ideal platform to discuss how to work together to benefit from the burgeoning travel market. The delegates were representing India’s top-most travel agents, wholesalers, corporate clients, tourism partners and MICE organisers in attendance, this was the largest-ever AccorHotels Showcase event in Asia Pacific.

AccorHotels Showcase 2018

The event saw representation from the marquee hotels namely Raffles Dubai and Saudi Arabia, RIXOS Turkey, Fairmont Ajman, SO Sofitel Bangkok Singapore, Novotel Amsterdam City and Novotel Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Pullman Paris Eiffel Tower, Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul, Fairmont Dubai and more.

AccorHotels Showcase 2018

One of the key takeaways from the Showcase was that MICE is on the rise globally – with multiple events being held internationally, but also in India which is becoming a chosen destination for MICE. Furthermore, with increasing globalization and Indian corporates opening offices around the world, the hospitality industry has seen traction for corporate travel both inbound and outbound.

Speaking on the success of Showcase 2018, Arif Patel, Vice President Sales, Marketing, Distribution & Loyalty AccorHotels said, “By 2020, Indian outbound travel is estimated to reach 48 million and foreign tourist arrival is forecasted to cross the 10 million mark. Today, Indians are expanding their travel maps and are travelling beyond countries like Thailand, Singapore or Dubai to Turkey, Amsterdam, Ajman, Paris, New Zealand and Spain. This annual AccorHotels Showcase gives an opportunity for our attendees to engage with AccorHotels representatives from around the world to see how best we can work together given the opportunities in the market. Moreover, it is overwhelming to see how the AccorHotels’ brands have been accepted positively, especially our luxury brands – Raffles, Fairmont and RIXOS overall and the Fairmont and RIXOS for weddings.”

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