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Luxury travel continues to grow

Luxury Hotel, The Leela Palace New Delhi, India

Luxury travel is booming: high-price trips grew nearly twice as much as global travel did in general over the past years – most luxury travelers come from the USA and China – Germany and France are the most popular luxury travel destinations in Europe – ITB Berlin and IPK International analyze global luxury travel.

ITB Berlin

Holidays abroad together with trips to visit friends and family and other leisure trips represent the dominant share of all luxury trips with nearly 75 per cent, while business trips account for every fourth trip


More and more holidaymakers are spending heavily on the best weeks of the year. With an increase of around 18 per cent since 2014, luxury travel has grown nearly twice as much as international travel in general, which grew by about 9 per cent since 2014. This is the result of a special evaluation of the World Travel Monitor®, conducted by IPK International and commissioned by ITB Berlin. For this analysis, international luxury trips were defined as all outbound short trips of up to three nights with a spending of more than 750 euros per night as well as all outbound long trips of four nights and more and a spending of more than 500 euros per night. In 2016, the world population undertook about 54 million international luxury trips. The market share of these trips rose to around 7 per cent in 2016.

Germany most popular luxury travel destination in Europe

The largest source markets for luxury travel are the USA, with 13.7 million foreign luxury trips, and China, with 10 million. Other major source markets are Japan, Great Britain and Taiwan. In Europe, most luxury trips are undertaken by the British with 3.6 million trips, ahead of the French and the Germans. On the other hand, the most popular luxury travel destination by far was the USA, with 8.1 million trips, ahead of Canada and Germany. In Europe, Germany received nearly 4 million luxury travel visitors in 2016 and hence replaced Italy as the number one luxury travel destination in Europe compared to 2014, followed by France, Italy and Great Britain.

City trips are the most important luxury holiday type

Holidays abroad together with trips to visit friends and family and other leisure trips represent the dominant share of all luxury trips with nearly 75 per cent, while business trips account for every fourth trip. The most popular types of luxury holidays are city trips with a share of 29 per cent, followed by touring holidays as well as Sun&Beach holidays.

Higher importance of travel agencies among luxury travelers

For luxury travel planning the Internet is used by around 83 per cent, which is very similar to all international travelers. On the other hand, 51 per cent of international luxury travelers use travel agencies as an information source, while the worldwide average is much lower with 33 per cent. The same occurs when it comes to travel agencies as a booking site. While on average 27 per cent of all international outbound trips are booked through a travel agency, 40 per cent of all international luxury trips are booked via a travel agency.

More detailed information on destinations and source markets as well as the characteristics of the outbound travel behavior of Luxury Travelers can be found in the “World/European Luxury Travel Report”, which can be ordered from IPK International.

Airbnb joins PATA as its hospitality member

Airbnb, the world’s leading community-driven hospitality company, is the latest hospitality sector organisation to join the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).


Home sharing has become an important economic engine for communities around the world, said Thao Nguyen Airbnb


PATA CEO Dr. Mario Hardy said, “We are extremely pleased to welcome Airbnb to the PATA family. With more than four million Airbnb listings worldwide it impossible to ignore the impact that the sharing economy is having upon the travel and tourism industry. It is important that we are able to add this voice to our discussions in the development of a responsible travel and tourism industry, especially when we examine the role of the sharing economy in the dispersal of tourists to lesser-known and emerging destinations.”

“Over the next few months, PATA and Airbnb will be working together to bring greater insights on topics related to the sharing economy – including its economic impact and the issue of over tourism,” added Dr. Hardy.

“Home sharing has become an important economic engine for communities around the world,” said Thao Nguyen, APAC head of strategic partnerships at Airbnb. “We’re excited to join the PATA family and play our part in promoting healthy and sustainable tourism that directly benefits local communities.”

Enjoy Luxurious Backwater Cruise in Alappuzha

Backwater Cruise in Kerala

Are you a tired of exploring God’s Own Country on foot? How about enjoying the comforts of a luxurious backwater cruise? You can hire a houseboat in Alappuzha, also known as the ‘Venice of the East’. Cruise leisurely through the canals in Kuttanad, popularly known as the Rice Bowl of Kerala, which are fringed by palm groves and paddy fields.

Then steer towards Kumarakom, one of the prime tourist attractions of Kerala. On reaching Kumarakom, you enter a veritable world of wonders. This small backwater village, which is a cluster of islands, has a life of its own, with its own slow, serene rhythm. The sights, sounds and fragrances will simply surround and captivate you. After staying back at Kumarakom for a bit and relaxing, you may proceed to Vaikom.

En route to Vaikom, the Vembanad Lake offers you sights of the rustic backwater village life. Relax to the sight of the largest backwater stretch in Kerala. Your eyes will never tire of feasting on the green shores on both sides, throbbing with vigour and pure natural beauty. The soft sunlit water enchants you as the palm trees on both shores beckon you with gentle whispers in the wind. You know in your soul that this magnificent sight will remain with you for the rest of your life.

Next on the cruise, you will find a small island, Pathiramanal, seemingly afloat in the middle of the backwaters. Have a brief stop and your guide can share with you many interesting myths surrounding this region. On resuming the journey, the next stop is Thanneermukkom, a village known for its Salt Water Barrier, popularly known as Thanneermukkom Bund. It is the largest mud regulator in India. Travelling through this region and savouring some delicious Kerala snacks is a marvelous experience.

The next backwater destination – Vaikom offers you many interesting sights and experiences. You may find here the relics of Kerala’s grand ancient tradition. A famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the prime attraction of this town. The refreshing greenery here is another splendid experience for you.

From Vaikom, after recharging with a delicious Kerala meal, you may proceed to Kumbalangi. You travel via Thykkattussery, a small village surrounded by coconut groves and paddy fields, enchanting components of the backwater life. The first sight that welcomes you to Kumbalangi is that of the majestic Chinese fishing nets lining the sides of the backwaters. Pokkali cultivation, a traditional indigenous method of cultivation in which the practice of harvesting paddy is followed by prawn filtration, is a unique farming practice followed in Kumbalangi.

 

Meetings at Radisson Blu Faridabad

MICE at Radisson Blu Faridabad

Radisson Blu Faridabad, five-star deluxe property in the city of Faridabad, which is one of the largest business and industrial hubs in the NCR and is home to an array of corporate sites and tourist destinations.

Radisson Blu Faridabad is an upper upscale Business Hotel. It is a perfect place for leisure travellers as well on their way while they travel to Agra or the adjacent tourist destinations. The hotel boasts one of the largest banquet and convention venues in the city centre with facilities capable of accommodating up to 1,100 guests. State-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, convention facilities, elegant banquet and free high-speed Internet enhance the productivity of corporate functions, and customized dining and catering packages add a touch of ease to any business meeting.

Situated in a thriving industrial district just outside the capital city of New Delhi, Radisson Blu Faridabad offers a convenient location with five-star amenities that include an upscale gym, spa and swimming pool and a well-informed concierge service.


Radisson Blu Faridabad is an ideal venue for organising management workshops, training sessions, conferences, cocktail dinners and other corporate functions


Radisson Blu Faridabad

Designed to accommodate and welcome modern and savvy travellers, Radisson Blu Faridabad has 124 contemporary rooms including 6 suites, the hotel promises to offer best-in-class services in the city. What makes this location even more attractive is its proximity to a metro station which directly plies to South Delhi within 15 – 20 minutes.

Aloha on the Ganges, Rishikesh – Spiritually Yours

Rishikesh has transformed into a destination of Adventure, Spiritualism and Yoga.  ‘Aloha on the Ganges’ is a new resort in this yoga capital of the world. This exquisite resort in Rishikesh ‘Aloha on the Ganges’ is located right on the banks of the Ganges River close to the Laxman Jhulla, in a very serene and peaceful environment. The setting of the resort on the fast-flowing Ganges, surrounded by forested hills, is conducive to meditation and mind expansion. In the evening, the breeze blows down the valley, setting temple bells ringing as sadhus (spiritual men), pilgrims and tourists prepare for the nightly Ganga Aarti.


Mr. Kuldeep Saini, General Manager of Aloha on the Ganges “We are the first resort in Rishikesh to offer a true Spiritual Experience to our Guests. With regular events related to Spiritual talks and blending yoga & spiritual flavour in the MICE segment, the corporate world is finding it a great experience”


‘Aloha on the Ganges’ is not just a resort in Rishikesh that will leave you breathless with the enchantment of its surroundings, but assists in enabling you to experience both physical and mental relaxation and realize the importance of a moment of calm and personal space in your everyday life. In absolute terms, Aloha on the Ganges is the ultimate escape from the mundane to the spiritual, where every corner spells harmony and every colour soothes the senses.

A perfect family resort consists of the right mix of spacious single & double bedroom apartments.

The resort offers a variety of dining choices ranging from Latitude – A multi-cuisine restaurant, Patio – An Alfresco Dining Restaurant and an In-House Bakery.

Vilasa Spa by Tattva invites you to pamper your  senses by experiencing authentic wellness rituals. The range of organic spa therapies emphasize on relaxing, revitalizing and rejuvenating you. Spa treatments, mediation sessions, Yoga and signature Ayurvedic rituals will drift away your worries and lead you to state of Shanti. Nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas, the spa is an abode of natural well-being and a life of cleansed mind, body and soul. The gentle gurgling of the river Ganga, the whispering winds through the lush green and the air so pure, will all come together to usher you on this journey to meet your inner self.

Sofitel Singapore City Centre opens as AccorHotels’ 800th hotel in Asia Pacific

AccorHotels has announced that the highly anticipated Sofitel Singapore City Centre will open its doors in October and will be the group’s landmark 800th hotel in Asia Pacific. Nestled amidst historic shop houses and towering skyscrapers, the 223-room luxury hotel is elegantly designed, reflecting Singapore’s rich cultural heritage with undeniable French flair.

“I am pleased to announce that this flagship hotel is our 800th property in Asia-Pacific and opens at a time when we are focused on strengthening our luxury credentials globally”

“The unveiling of Sofitel Singapore City Centre marks an important milestone for AccorHotels as we continue to strengthen our presence in the region,” says Michael Issenberg, Chairman & CEO of AccorHotels Asia Pacific. “I am pleased to announce that this flagship hotel is our 800th property in Asia-Pacific and opens at a time when we are focused on strengthening our luxury credentials globally.”

An oasis at the heart of historic Tanjong Pagar, the hotel is strategically situated just 20 minutes from Singapore’s Changi Airport. It will be AccorHotels’ 13th hotel in Singapore and will be shortly followed by a combined 782-room Novotel and Mercure complex which will open on Stevens Road, firmly cementing the group’s position as the largest hotel operator in Singapore.

Guests entering Sofitel Singapore City Centre are welcomed by the shimmering Singapour Je T’aime, a stunning nine-metre chandelier designed by Lasvit. This stunning art installation of glass leaves that whirl through the lobby, comprises 700 hand-blown glass crystals.

Sofitel’s commitment to culture and design is brought to life with an outstanding collection of custom-made furniture and artworks including designer uniforms accentuated with floral prints, evoking the strong botanic theme that runs throughout the hotel.

The hotel’s interiors elegantly juxtapose vibrant rose gold accents with striking design features and botanical motifs, inspired by the sublime geometry of a traditional jardin à la française and the rich green spaces of Singapore, also known as the Garden City.

Guests may choose from 223 well-appointed rooms and suites featuring floor to ceiling windows; complimentary minibars serviced by the hotel’s very own droid butler – Sophie The Robot; Sofitel’s luxurious MyBed; a Handy Phone which provides access to free local and international calls to 10 countries and wifi on the go; Smart TVs and Bose Sound systems; large soaking tubs with separate rain showers and luxurious Lanvin or Hermes amenities.

Taj Hotels announces appointment of New Chief Executive Officer

Taj Hotels ownership company The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) recently announced the appointment of Puneet Chhatwal as the new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director to drive performance and oversee the next phase of expansion of the hotels group.

Mr. Chhatwal is currently Chief Executive Officer and Member of the Executive Board of Steigenberger Hotels AG – Deutsche Hospitality, a leading European hotel chain. He is a global professional with over three decades of leadership experience in the hospitality sector, having worked for some leading hotel groups in Europe and North America after starting his career in India.

“IHCL has some of the most iconic hotel properties in India and at key gateway locations across the world. I look forward to working with the talented teams in IHCL and under Mr Chandrasekaran’s leadership of the Tata Group to take this iconic company forward,” said Puneet Chhatwal.

Mr Chhatwal is a graduate of both Delhi University and Institute of Hotel Management, Delhi. He has completed an MBA in hospitality from ESSEC, Paris and an Advanced Management Program from INSEAD.

JetBoutique – Jet Airways’ in-flight shopping goes online

Airline redefines onboard shopping experience with pre-order facility

Enhances guest convenience by enabling pre-flight shopping for on-board delivery

Jet Airways, India’s full service, premier international airline, today announced that it has redefined ‘JetBoutique’ – its classical, on-board shopping experience, by taking it online.

Image result for jet airways

“JetBoutique enjoys a strong appeal among our international guests. We are confident that its digital version will also resonate equally well with our guests, especially the new-age millennial travellers, many of whom are keen to savour experiences and explore more while travelling with us”

Guests of the airline will now be able to enjoy the luxury of shopping online for their favourite international, lifestyle brands from partner duty free stores at their convenience for having their purchases delivered on-board during their travel. In fact, guests with confirmed bookings on select international flights, can pre-book their orders of inflight duty free products at the airline’s website (www.jetairways.com) for delivery onboard their flights.

With the launch of the pre-order facility, Jet Airways becomes the first Indian airline to offer this service, in its endeavour to consistently offer exceptional value to its guests. Pre-ordering will also help guests save time at the airport, aside from the convenience of online shopping.

As part of the online launch celebration, Jet Airways’ guests shopping at ‘JetBoutique’ on jetairways.com can take advantage of an introductory 10% discount while placing orders, after browsing the online catalogue.

Jayaraj Shanmugam, Chief Commercial Officer, Jet Airways, said, “JetBoutique enjoys a strong appeal among our international guests. We are confident that its digital version will also resonate equally well with our guests, especially the new-age millennial travellers, many of whom are keen to savour experiences and explore more while travelling with us. It is another example of the many ways in which we use technology to create and enhance our guest experience for added convenience. We are certain that this service will lead to numerous delighted guests.”

IndiGo enters into regional markets with ATR fleet

IndiGo Airllines

6E to operate 24 non-stop daily flights

Introductory fares of Rs 999, while bookings opens midnight October 16, 2017

Continuing its efforts towards serving nation with a stronger network.
IndiGo, India’s largest and fastest growing carrier, recently announced its foray into regional markets. The airline will begin ATR operations with flights between cities on its existing network of Hyderabad,Chennai, Bengaluru, Mangalore, Madurai and Nagpur and two new Tier-II cities of Tirupati and Rajahmundry. With an aim to enhance connectivity to these cities, the airline will deploy its ATR fleet of ATR 72-600 aircraft in a phased manner.
IndiGo has also launched introductory fares starting Rs 999 on these new routes, while bookings will open from midnight tonight. First ATR flight will commence from Hyderabad, starting December 21st,2017.

Image result for aditya ghosh indigoMr. Adiya Gosh (left) and Mr. Sanjay Kumar

With the introduction of these flights, IndiGo has taken another step towards providing on-time and hassle-free travel experience to the passengers of Tier-II & Tier-III cities as well. IndiGo is also
introducing new ATR flights on its existing network which includes Chennai – Mangalore – Chennai, Hyderabad – Mangalore – Hyderabad and Hyderabad – Nagpur – Hyderabad. These new routes will further consolidate IndiGo’s position as the fastest growing airline in India.
Announcing the opening of the sale of tickets for the first ATR flights in the history of IndiGo’s journey, Mr. Aditya Ghosh, President and Whole Time Director, IndiGo said, “It is indeed a proud moment for all of us who have been working relentlessly to bring our dream of regional flying to reality. We at IndiGo
are bringing people and places closer. We have set off on a journey into the heartland and make these connections deeper. These flights will open up a whole new market, improving the choices of air travel to millions of our fellow citizens.”

New flight schedules are:

Flight Number / Origin / Destination / Dep.Time / Arr.Time
6E 7101 Hyderabad Mangalore 6:40 8:40
6E 7102 Mangalore Hyderabad 13:50 15:40
6E 7101 Mangalore Chennai 9:05 11:05
6E 7102 Chennai Mangalore 11:35 13:30
6E 7103 Hyderabad Nagpur 16:15 18:10
6E 7104 Nagpur Hyderabad 18:30 20:25
6E 7105 Hyderabad Tirupati 6:25 7:50
6E 7108 Tirupati Hyderabad 10:55 12:05
6E 7112 Hyderabad Tirupati 12:40 14:05
6E 7116 Hyderabad Tirupati 19:25 20:50
6E 7115 Tirupati Hyderabad 17:35 18:50
6E 7117 Tirupati Hyderabad 21:10 22:35
6E 7106 Tirupati Bangalore 8:10 9:15
6E 7107 Bangalore Tirupati 9:40 10:35
6E 7113 Tirupati Bangalore 14:25 15:30
6E 7114 Bangalore Tirupati 15:50 16:50
6E 7113 Tirupati Bangalore 14:45 15:50
6E 7114 Bangalore Tirupati 16:20 17:15
6E 7118 Hyderabad Rajahmundry 7:05 8:20
6E 7122 Rajahmundry Hyderabad 12:50 14:05
6E 7123 Hyderabad Rajahmundry 14:35 15:50
6E 7126 Rajahmundry Hyderabad 20:10 21:25
6E 7119 Rajahmundry Bangalore 8:40 10:25
6E 7121 Bangalore Rajahmundry 10:45 12:30
6E 7124 Rajahmundry Chennai 16:10 17:35
6E 7125 Chennai Rajahmundry 17:55 19:40

SpiceJet to add services from Belagavi airport

First airline to offer daily direct flights between Chennai and Belagavi

SpiceJet, recently announced the launch of four new direct flights on its domestic network.

Focusing on enhancing connectivity between key metro and non-metro cities, with the flight launch between Chennai – Belagavi – Chennai, SpiceJet becomes the first airline to offer daily direct flights on the route. The airline also introduces direct flight services between Bengaluru – Coimbatore – Bengaluru and Bengaluru – Madurai – Bengaluru sectors. The only airline to operate on the Bengaluru – Belagavi – Bengaluru sector, SpiceJet, further reinforces connectivity on the route with the addition of its second frequency. It will deploy its Bombardier Q400 aircrafts on all of the routes. With the addition of two new flights there will be a total of four departures from Belagavi from the present two.

The airline is also offering an exciting all-inclusive one-way introductory starting fare of INR 3,099/- between Chennai & Belagavi, INR 2,999/- between Belagavi & Chennai, INR 2,197/- between Bengaluru & Coimbatore, INR 1,949/- between Coimbatore & Bengaluru, INR 2,149/- between Bengaluru & Madurai and INR 1,949/- between Madurai & Bengaluru routes. The second frequency between Bengaluru & Belagavi and Belgavi & Bengaluru is also being offered at an all-inclusive starting fare of INR 2,649/- and INR 2,399/- respectively.

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