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TAAI Convention Srinagar – A Reverberating Success

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

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

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

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

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.”

Cox & Kings Launches New Packages of Guaranteed Coach Tours

View from Gondola, Schilthorn

Celebrating the 260th year, Cox & Kings Ltd., the oldest and leading tour operator with operations in 22 countries across continents has introduced new pre-planned coach tours to Morocco, Cambodia, Russia, Spain, Israel, Switzerland, USA, Canada, Alaska, Scandinavia, Iceland and South America. The tours starting from Rs.38,990, give you a chance to travel with and meet people from across the globe. The tour price includes accommodation with breakfast, meals (if any), tours, transfers and guided sightseeing as specified in the tour.

Motor Vessel, Lake Lucerne Region

These comfortable tours guarantee departures, include must-see sights, excellent hotels and meals as specified. Each coach tour also has English-speaking tour directors to ensure an authentic experience. Moreover, Cox & Kings is topping it up with amazing deals to celebrate 260 years. Travellers booking under this offer stand a chance to win 2 nights FREE hotel stay in Bangkok, Dubai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Bali. Easy EMI options are also available on online payments through all major banks and the Bajaj Finserv EMI card.
Please find below the new packages of Guaranteed Coach Tours:

Royal Morocco
8 Days / 7 Nights
Visit – Casablanca, Rabat, Fez, Marrakesh, Casablanca
Starting from Rs. 40,768* per person (without airfare)

Highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia
8 Days / 7 Nights
Visit – Hanoi, On Board the Cruise, Saigon, Siem Reap
Starting from Rs. 49,155* per person (without airfare)

Russian Bonanza
6 Days / 5 Nights
Visit – Moscow, St. Petersburg
Starting from Rs. 66,560* per person (without airfare)

Spanish Experience
8 Days / 7 Nights
Visit – Madrid, Seville, Costa Del Sol, Granada, Madrid
Starting from Rs. 83,616* per person (without airfare)

Bibleland Tour
8 Days / 7 Nights
Visit – Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Galilee, Tel Aviv
Starting from Rs. 85,360* per person (without airfare)

Swiss Fairy Tales
8 Days / 7 Nights
Visit – Zurich, Bern, Montreux, Geneva
Starting from Rs. 1,02,060* per person (without airfare)

USA – Eastern Discovery
7 Days / 6 Nights
Visit – New York, Washington Dc, Harrisburg, Niagara Falls
Starting from Rs.  1,13,565* per person (without airfare)

Discover Canadian Rockies
7 Days / 6 Nights
Visit – Vancouver, Kamloops, Jasper, Banff, Calgary
Starting from Rs. 1,38,990* per person (without airfare)

Discover Alaskas National Park
8 Days / 7 Nights
Visit – Anchorage, Seward, Denali National Park, Talkeetna, Anchorage Starting from Rs. 1,69,500* per person (without airfare)

Legends of Scandinavia
11 Days / 10 Nights
Visit – Stockholm, Hamar, Geiranger, Balestrand, Bergen, Geilo, Oslo, On Board The Cruise, Copenhagen
Starting from Rs. 1,95,936* per person (without airfare)

Classical Iceland
9 Days / 8 Nights
Visit – Reykjavik, Vik I Myrdal, Hofn, Egilsstadir, Myvatn, Siglufjordur, Borgarnes, Reykjavik
Starting from Rs. 1,80,544* per person (without airfare)

Best of South America
15 Days / 14 Nights
Visit – Lima, Yucay, Cusco, Puno, Lima, Iguazu Falls, Buenos Aires, Rio De Janeiro
Starting from Rs. 3,08,490* per person (without airfare)

To book your dream package, call us on 1800 209 0400 or alternatively SMS ‘GCT’ to 5757567. For more information, log on to www.coxandkings.com

Amazing Thailand’s Open to the New Shades launched in India

Open to the New Shades of Amazing Thailand

Open to the New Shades of Amazing Thailand

TAT Team at the Launch of Open to the New Shades concept in India

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched its new marketing concept “Open to the New Shades of Amazing Thailand” in India.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn TAT Governor Launching the New Campaign

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn , the TAT Governor, headed the Thai tourism team at the launch event held at JW Marriott Aerocity in New Delhi. It was attended by several senior executives from Indian travel companies, travel media and invited guests from the business community.

Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communication making the Product Presentation

In his product presentation, Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communication said, “The Open to the New Shades concept is about asking visitors to “open” their minds and hearts to deepen and widen their experiences into a new perception of attractions and variety of experiences in Thailand.  

“The Open to the New Shades concept is about asking visitors to “open” their minds and hearts to deepen and widen their experiences into a new perception of attractions and variety of experiences in Thailand

“The communication campaign will introduce brand-new products to visitors, or reveal a new charming character of well-known destinations through creativity. This campaign is aimed at attracting more repeat visitors and also first-time visitors. Visitors can discover new perspectives in existing attractions, or indulge in experiences in new tourist attractions.  

Mr. Tanes outlined the broad variety of tourism products that Indian visitors will enjoy in the categories of Gastronomy, Nature and Beach, Art and Craft, and Thai Culture and Way of Life. 

Live music performance by, Mr. Koh Saxman

Indian guests also enjoyed a live music performance by special guests, Mr. Koh Saxman (above picture), a famous Thai saxophonist featuring with the Indian musicians including Mr. Dhruv Bed (sitarist) and Mr.Manassas Jena, (tablaist). Well-known Indian journalist Mr. Vir Sanghvi, a regular visitor to Thailand and a lover of Thai food, also spoke about his fondness for the kingdom and narrated some of his experiences over the years.  

Guests also witnessed a demonstration of Thai culture such as the coloring a Khon Mask, painting Thai pattern on the hand, fruit & vegetable carving and stage performances (Muay Thai and Thai Classical Dance). 

TAT offices in Mumbai and New Delhi are working with partners and tour operators to convert the new marketing concept into substantial sales targeted at specific customer segments; such as, Luxury Travel, Weddings and Honeymooners, and Female Travellers, and Families.  Also targeted are university students and newly working women.  

TAT is also targetting a new wave of visitors from secondary cities in India. Given the large number of Indian cities with a population base of more than three million people, India is seen as being a major source of visitors for Thailand in the years ahead. 

Mr. Yuthasak said, “India is now one of our top ten sources of visitor arrivals, a member of a small club of countries that generate more than one million visitors a year. In 2017, Thailand recorded 1.41 million visitor arrivals from India, up by 18% over 2016, generating an estimated 120 billion Rupees (62.40 billion baht) in tourism income. We are targeting a revenue growth of 12% for Indian market in 2018. 

He said more and more Indian travellers are diversifying beyond their traditional spots of Bangkok and Pattaya, and exploring Chiang Rai, Rayong, Trat, Hua Hin and Samut Songkram. 

In 2018, bilateral business and MICE travel is expected to increase as India’s economy grows and new airlines launch more bilateral flights. The completion of the Asian Highway road linkage through Myanmar will allow a whole new generation of travellers to open up new corridors of travel between South and Southeast Asia, Mr. Yuthasak said.  

At the end of event, Mr. Yuthasak presented 10 awards to supporting partners, consisting of travel agents, airlines, media, and wedding planners. 

Between 30 March – 2 April 2018, TAT will organise a mega-famtrip for a carefully chosen list of 100 Indian tour operators and 50 media. 

Indians can receive visa-on-arrival facilities at Thailand’s international checkpoints. Bilateral airline capacity is at an all-time high with 240 weekly flights between Thailand and 17 major cities in India by 11 airlines: Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Air India, Jet Airways, Indigo Airlines, Spice Jet, Thai Air Asia, Bhutan Airlines, Druk Air, Garuda Indonesia and Thai Smile.

Tourism industry bets big on expansion in outbound travel

Cathay Pacific Regional Business Class

by Anumeha Chaturvedi

Tour operators and travel service providers in India are betting big on an expansion in outbound travel, although New Delhi still trails other Asian hotspots in tourist arrivals.

Besides the metros, visa and other travel services providers like VFS Global, BLS International and Cox & Kings Global Services are expanding their reach to other cities across the country. It also helps that many countries have simplified the visa processes for Indian travelers over the p ..

During WEF: Insider tip for winter sports enthusiasts

Winter sports enthusiasts should take the next few days off: The pistes and cross-country trails in Davos Klosters are an insider’s tip during the World Economic Forum (WEF). In short: excellent piste conditions and plenty of space – ideal for a day trip.
While Trump, Merkel or Macron meet at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, there is plenty of space on Davos Klosters’ pistes and cross-country tracks. No wonder: Davos Klosters is considered an insider’s tip during the WEF period from 23 to 26 January 2018. There are never so few winter sports enthusiasts on the mountains on these days. Or in other words: lots of space on the slopes to get the carving turns right again, no waiting times at mountain restaurants and lifts and excellent snow conditions.
Pischa and Rinerhorn closed during the WEF period
Speaking of lifts: the ski areas of Parsenn, Jakobshorn, Schatzalp, Gotschna and Madrisa are open in advance. Only Pischa and the Rinerhorn are closed during the WEF period. By contrast, night skiing and sledding on Friday 26 January 2018 on the Rinerhorn will take place as usual. The indoor swimming pool “Eau-là-là” will be closed until 1 February 2018.
Easy arrival possible
The route to Davos Klosters is open and can be easily reached by public transport or private vehicle. Good to know: Guests can move freely in Klosters without restriction. In Davos, only the security zones around the congress centre, the Hotel Seehof Davos, the InterContinental Hotel and the Steigenberger Grandhotel Belvédère are closed. Otherwise, the place is open to everyone.

Taj Hotels Takes The Lead At The First Edition Of ‘Top Restaurant Awards’ By Condé Nast Traveller

Mumbai 20th December: Seven iconic restaurants by Taj have been awarded in the first edition of Top Restaurant Awards, India’s definitive list of the country’s 50 finest restaurants by Condé Nast Traveller. The Taj Group emerged with the highest wins and the results were announced in the presence of some of the most prominent names in the hospitality industry along with food writers, critics, influencers, and opinion makers.

The seven awards were conferred to Karavalli at The Gateway Hotel, Residency Road in Bangalore; Adaa at Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad; Thai Pavillion at Vivanta by Taj – President in Mumbai; Wasabi by Morimoto at The Taj Mahal Hotel in Delhi; Blue Ginger at Taj West End in Bangalore and Southern Spice at Taj Coromandel in Chennai. Wasabi by Morimoto at the flagship hotel The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai has been ranked 6th in the country for the Top Restaurant Awards this year. Wasabi by Morimoto, a multi-award winning contemporary Japanese dining destination in Mumbai and Delhi was created in collaboration with the globally renowned Iron Chef – Masaharu Morimoto. The restaurant is credited with introducing India to the flavours and intricacy of contemporary Japanese cuisine with inspiration drawn from China, France, Korea and other corners of the Orient. Authenticity is the hallmark for Karavalli at The Gateway Hotel, Residency Road in Bangalore where well-researched homemade recipes come together to offer an exotic fare with a unique compilation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies.

Ensuring an authentic meal experience, the dishes replicate mothers and grandmothers’ recipes by the chefs of Karavalli, who are trained in the kitchens of the traditional homes.

Adaa at Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad offers guests a carefully crafted slow-cooked Hyderabadi meal that recreates the wonders of the royal kitchens. With an ever-changing menu of contrasting sweet, sour and spice, Thai Pavillion at Vivanta by Taj – President in Mumbai sets the standards for Thai cuisine in the country with an interactive kitchen and an excellent pairing of food with a fine collection of young and vintage wines. Blue Ginger at Taj West End, Bengaluru has the distinction of being the first in India to serve exclusive Vietnamese cuisine, offering a unique dining experience with a Farm to Fork concept. Southern Spice at Taj Coromandel, Chennai brings the legendary cuisine experience from the 5 southern states of India, with an alluring presentation and extensive research on Mudaliar, Malabar and other region centric cuisines.

The nominations for the first edition of Top Restaurant Awards by Condé Nast Traveller were evaluated by a panel of more than a hundred judges, comprising of food writers, critics, food enthusiasts, and tastemakers.

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