| K U M A R A S W A M Y - W O R L D W I D E TRAVELDOTS........ |
| Raju Kumaraswamy, intnl. travel consultant by (IATA,UFTAA-Geneva), No4- 2nd Street, Subramaniyam Colony, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai-600041 |
| Telephone: 24464187, 9283417528, 9444914004--Email:rehray@vsnl.com http://www.angelfire.com/biz/kumaraswamytravels |
| http://kumaraswamyworldwidetravelstours.enmail.com http://www.kumaraswamy-worldwidetravels.com |
1. LEGAL PROCESS FOR MERGER OF AIR INDIA AND INDIAN AIRLINES COMPLETED ....Clik-1 |
2.
WORLD’S OLDEST STEAM ENGINE FAIRY QUEEN RUN BEGINS FROM OCTOBER 27 ....Clik-2 |
3.
TODAY'S TRAVELLER HONOURS S K MISRA, P.R.S. OBEROI, HABIB REHMAN AND RAM
KOHLI ....Clik-3 |
4.
HOTEL ASSOCIATION OF INDIA HOLDS CONCLAVE 2007 ....Clik-4 |
5. CHINA NATIONAL TOURIST OFFICE OPENS IN NEW DELHI ....Clik-5 |
| 6.
TAJ GROUP’S BUDGET CHAIN GINGER HOTEL OPENS IN NORTHEAST ....Clik-6 |
7.
SOUTH INDIAN STATES DISCUSS MEASURES TO ATTRACT
TOURISTS ....Clik-7 |
8.
INDIAN-AMERICANS CELEBRATE 60TH INDEPENDENCE DAY OF
INDIA ....Clik-8 |
9.
IAF PILOTS SET WORLD RECORD IN MICROLIGHT AIRCRAFT IN 80
DAYS ....Clik-9 |
10.
AIR INDIA'S PROMOTIONAL BLITZ IN NEW YORK
....Clik-10 |
| 11.
INCREDIBLE INDIA CAMPAIGN NOW ON YOUTUBE
....Clik-11 |
12.
RAJASTHAN TO SET UP E-TOURIST INFO KIOSKS
....Clik-12 |
13.
SAWAN- TEEJ FESTIVAL IN RAJASTHAN |
14.
FORD’S SKI VILLAGE IN HIMACHAL APPROVED BY STATE GOVERNMENT NOW AWAITS
ENVIRONMENT CLEARANCE
....Clik-14 |
15.
BOOK ON INDIAN COOKING OUTSELLS HARRY POTTER IN
U.K ....Clik-15 |
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1. LEGAL PROCESS FOR MERGER OF AIR INDIA AND INDIAN AIRLINES COMPLETED
New Delhi: The Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India has approved the application for merger of Air India and Indian Airlines into a new company called National Aviation Company of India Limited (NACIL), earlier incorporated under the Company’s Act 1956 on 30th March 2007. With the filing of this approval with the Registrar of Companies, the legal process for merger of Air India Limited and Indian Airlines Limited in National Aviation Company of India Limited will stand completed. Mr. V. Thulasidas takes over as the Chairman and Managing Director and Mr. Vishwapati Trivedi as the Joint Managing Director of the merged company. The merged airline will fly under the brand of ‘Air India’ both in India and overseas. The new airline will have a combined fleet size of over 112 aircraft, comparable to the best airlines in the Asian region and will rank among the top 30 airlines in the world. As part of its fleet acquisition programme of 111 aircraft, the new airline will be inducting 21 new aircraft (7 Boeing 777, 10 A-320 family aircraft and 4 Boeing 737-800) this year itself. ‘Air India’ launched its inaugural daily, non-stop Bombay – New York flight with the first Boeing 777 200 LR aircraft. This is the first non-stop India – US flight by an Indian carrier. The new Boeing 777 aircraft was the first of the series to sport the new branding Courtesy of contents:: email from InterMedia, New Delhi kumaraswamy-worldwidetravels.com A to Z worldwide Travel Tour information Provider--[incredible India Tourism Promotions] Email US |
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2. WORLD’S OLDEST STEAM ENGINE FAIRY QUEEN RUN BEGINS FROM OCTOBER 27
New Delhi: The world’s oldest steam engine Fairy Queen, will haul steam engine enthusiasts from Delhi to Alwar, and back from October 27. Fairy Queen was awarded a place in the Guinness Book of Records and has bagged the National Tourism Award, with coaches specially designed for tourists with professional guides and piped music will leave from Delhi Cantonment station at 9 am and will reach Alwar at 4 pm. The last run on the route for the tourist season will be on March 8, with eight other runs in between. The Fairy Queen entered service with Indian Railways in 1855 originally. It completed its 150 years in the year 2005 and gives its passengers a feel of the bygone era through the specially designed interiors, food and ambience. Courtesy of contents:: email from InterMedia, New Delhi kumaraswamy-worldwidetravels.com A to Z worldwide Travel Tour information Provider--[incredible India Tourism Promotions] Email US |
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3. TODAY'S TRAVELLER HONOURS S K MISRA, P.R.S. OBEROI, HABIB REHMAN AND RAM KOHLI
The magazine honoured leading luminaries of Indian travel industry including Mr. S. K. Misra (Chairman - INTACH), Mr. P.R.S. Oberoi (Chairman of Oberoi hotels), Mr. Raymond Bickson (Managing Director of - Taj hotels), Mr. Habib Rehman (Director ITC), Capt. Gopinath (Chairman of Air Deccan), Capt. C.P.K. Nair (Chairman of Leela hotels) and Mr. Ram Kohli of Creative Travels and former Chairman of PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association). Courtesy of contents:: email from InterMedia, New Delhi kumaraswamy-worldwidetravels.com A to Z worldwide Travel Tour information Provider--[incredible India Tourism Promotions] Email US |
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4. HOTEL ASSOCIATION OF INDIA HOLDS CONCLAVE 2007
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5. CHINA NATIONAL TOURIST OFFICE OPENS IN NEW DELHI
Chairman of the National Tourism Administration of China, Mr. Shao Qiwei said on the occasion that the opening of Tourist Office in India will further promote bilateral relations. He said his country is looking tourists from India during Olympics and World Expo in Shanghai. Earlier, the India-China Tourism Forum met to exchange information for future cooperation in the tourism sector between the two countries. More than 120 delegates from India and China attended the meeting. Smt. Soni and Mr. Shao Qiwei also held a brief meeting to discuss ways to further promotion of bilateral relations in tourism sector. Courtesy of contents:: email from InterMedia, New Delhi kumaraswamy-worldwidetravels.com A to Z worldwide Travel Tour information Provider--[incredible India Tourism Promotions] Email US |
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6. TAJ GROUP’S BUDGET CHAIN GINGER HOTEL OPENS IN NORTHEAST
Agartala: Taj Group’s Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) budget chain Ginger has launched its ninth hotel. Tripura Chief Minister Mr. Manik Sarkar inaugurated the hotel in Agartala and said: "Tripura is fast emerging as a favoured investment location and economic growth centre. More hoteliers are coming to the state, and with improving connectivity of the region with South East Asia, sectors like tourism and the hospitality industry are likely to boom in the coming years." Present on this occasion were State Industry Minister Tapan Chakraborty, Chief Secretary Sashi Prakash and Prabhat Pani, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ginger Hotels and other dignitaries. Courtesy of contents:: email from InterMedia, New Delhi kumaraswamy-worldwidetravels.com A to Z worldwide Travel Tour information Provider--[incredible India Tourism Promotions] Email US |
| 7.
SOUTH INDIAN STATES DISCUSS MEASURES TO ATTRACT TOURISTS
Mysore: South India is likely to be declared a free zone envisaging exemption from payment of entry tax for tourist vehicles with a view to promoting tourism. According to a report in the Hindu two-day national level seminar on “Tourism in India with special reference to Karnataka Tourism” here, Tourism Secretary, Government of Karnataka, Mr. I.M. Vittala Murthy said the four South Indian States are expected to arrive at a consensus on this as part of an initiative taken up by the Union Government. State subject He pointed out that the levy on tourist vehicles was a State subject and the Union Government will only give instructions on the matter. Courtesy of contents:: email from InterMedia, New Delhi kumaraswamy-worldwidetravels.com A to Z worldwide Travel Tour information Provider--[incredible India Tourism Promotions] Email US |
| 8.
INDIAN-AMERICANS CELEBRATE 60TH INDEPENDENCE DAY OF
INDIA
New York: A number of cities including New York had celebrations of the 60th Independence Day with parades, cultural programmes and exhibitions depicting the country’s heritage. The main parade in New York city was attended by thousands of people, including top city officials and a galaxy of Indian film stars as also other artists. Bollywood actress Urmila Matondkar was the “grand marshal” of the parade in Iselin in New Jersey on Sunday organised by the Indian Business Association (IBA) which represents dozens of Indian-American business establishments on the Oak Tree Road, called “Little India.” Courtesy of contents:: email from InterMedia, New Delhi kumaraswamy-worldwidetravels.com A to Z worldwide Travel Tour information Provider--[incredible India Tourism Promotions] Email US |
| 9.
IAF PILOTS SET WORLD RECORD IN MICROLIGHT AIRCRAFT IN 80 DAYS
New Delhi: A micro-light aircraft flown by pilots Wg Cdr Rahul Monga and Wg Cdr Anil Kumar arrived at Hindon, setting the new world record for fastest round-the-world trip in this category. The expedition had been flagged off on June 1 by Air Chief Marshal Major from Hindon as a part of the IAF’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The aim was to circumnavigate the earth (minimum distance of 36,889 km) in the shortest period of time which they did in 80 days. Courtesy of contents:: email from InterMedia, New Delhi kumaraswamy-worldwidetravels.com A to Z worldwide Travel Tour information Provider--[incredible India Tourism Promotions] Email US |
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10. AIR INDIA'S PROMOTIONAL BLITZ IN NEW YORK
New York: Air India has launched a promotional blitz in New York promotion its non-stop service between New York and Bombay. In the heart of New York at the Times Square, the Maharaja now present has a spectacular on a billion. Besides this the airline has returned in the pages of the New York Times and Wall Street Journal with heavy advertising. Courtesy of contents:: email from InterMedia, New Delhi kumaraswamy-worldwidetravels.com A to Z worldwide Travel Tour information Provider--[incredible India Tourism Promotions] Email US |
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11. INCREDIBLE INDIA CAMPAIGN NOW ON YOUTUBE
New Delhi: YouTube Google's most popular site for online videos is now showing, Ministry of Tourism’s promotional videos of "Incredible India". Launching the site Mr. Shilabhadra Banerjee, who recently take over as Tourism Secretary, said: "We have only started. We will keep evolving the campaign further." The commercials launched are on the themes Generic India, Adventure and Wildlife. Indian Heritage, Buddhists Heritage, Walk with Buddha, Timeless India, Central India, Only in India and 150th Years of India's Freedom Struggle. Eighteen films and television commercials have been posted on www.youtube.com/india. This feature in India complements the already content rich site of Ministry of Tourism www.incredibleindia.org. Courtesy of contents:: email from InterMedia, New Delhi kumaraswamy-worldwidetravels.com A to Z worldwide Travel Tour information Provider--[incredible India Tourism Promotions] Email US |
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12. RAJASTHAN TO SET UP E-TOURIST INFO KIOSKS
Jaipur: The Rajasthan is perhaps the most tourist friendly state in India. It is now planning to set up electronic tourist information Kiosks (eTIK) at around 120 prominent places of tourist importance. The eTIKs would provide a variety of services to tourists including, display of various tourism related other general information electronic ticket printing and a host of other value added information. The state government is inviting the Indian corporate world to participate in this project. With record arrival of 12,000,00 international tourists and over 170 million domestic tourists last year, it has become important to spruce up the tourist related services in Rajasthan. Courtesy of contents:: email from InterMedia, New Delhi kumaraswamy-worldwidetravels.com A to Z worldwide Travel Tour information Provider--[incredible India Tourism Promotions] Email US |
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13. SAWAN- TEEJ FESTIVAL IN RAJASTHAN
Jaipur: The Sawan-Teej festival celebrated in the Northern region of India is at its beat in Rajasthan this year in the Pink City from August 11 to 16. The festival, traditionally referred to as Teej, has been re-named Sawan-Teej by the State Tourism Department for the purpose. The Teej festival is dedicated to Goddes Parvati and commemorates the day when she was united with Lord Shiva. The festival is held every year in the Hindu month of Shravan and marks the advent of the monsoon. We have including young girls, newlyweds and elderly women turnout in this best colourful costumes turnout to welcome the traditional costumes advert of the monsoon season. Courtesy of contents:: email from InterMedia, New Delhi kumaraswamy-worldwidetravels.com A to Z worldwide Travel Tour information Provider--[incredible India Tourism Promotions] Email US |
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14. FORD’S SKI VILLAGE IN HIMACHAL APPROVED BY STATE GOVERNMENT NOW AWAITS ENVIRONMENT CLEARANCE
New Delhi: The Himalayan Ski Village in the Kullu Valley promoted by Alfred Ford, the great grandson of Ford Motor founder Henry Ford, has been cleared by the Himachal Pradesh government and company has now applied for environmental clearance to the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MEF). This will offer ultra massage facilities and will be large enough to even thought winter Olympics. Courtesy of contents:: email from InterMedia, New Delhi kumaraswamy-worldwidetravels.com A to Z worldwide Travel Tour information Provider--[incredible India Tourism Promotions] Email US |
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15. BOOK ON INDIAN COOKING OUTSELLS HARRY POTTER IN U.K.
London: Television cook Anjum Anand’s book Indian Cuisine has become a huge success and beat even the latest Harry Potter to soar to the top of the Daily Mail bestsellers’ list. Indian Food Made Easy by the 35-year-old author aims to convince that Indian food can be simple, delicious and healthy. The release of her book has coincided with her hugely popular TV show series. The book with contents as diverse as light snacks, seafood vegetables, lentils, beans, rice and chutneys, contains more than 70 new recipes of traditional Indian dishes that also have reduced fat rather than flavour. Courtesy of contents:: email from InterMedia, New Delhi kumaraswamy-worldwidetravels.com A to Z worldwide Travel Tour information Provider--[incredible India Tourism Promotions] Email US
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| K U M A R A S W A M Y - W O R L D W I D E TRAVELDOTS........ |
| Raju Kumaraswamy, intnl. travel consultant by (IATA,UFTAA-Geneva), No4- 2nd Street, Subramaniyam Colony, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai-600041 |
| Telephone: 24464187, 9283417528, 9444914004--Email:rehray@vsnl.com http://www.angelfire.com/biz/kumaraswamytravels |
| http://kumaraswamyworldwidetravelstours.enmail.com http://www.kumaraswamy-worldwidetravels.com |
| 1. 12TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF NATIONAL TRUSTS IN INDIA DECEMBER 2007 |
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New Delhi: INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) always participates in the International National Trusts Conference which meets once in 2 years to exchange ideas on heritage management. The 11th Conference was held in Washington DC.
Thanks to INTACH the 12th Conference will be held in New Delhi in December 2007. 350-400 participants are expected to attend. INTACH will be the host organization & the theme of the Conference is Heritage and Development said Mr. S.K. Misra, Chairman of INTACH. |
| 2. RAJASTHAN TO DEVELOP ECO TOURISM |
| Jaipur: Rajasthan tourism plans to develop eight eco tourism sights to give visitors a glimpse of the flora and fauna of the state The Jhalana and Nahargarh biological parks will be developed in Jaipur as will sites in Mount Abu, Jaiselmer and Udaipur. The “shikargahar” (hunting lodges) of former royal will be used for tourists as also tented accommodation. |
| 3. INTERNATIONAL CHEFS DAY CELEBRATED AT ASHOK HOTEL |
| New Delhi: The third Wednesday in October is celebrated as International Chef’s Day. As in previous years, the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), the Indian Culinary Forum (ICF) and Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA) gathered to fete the best. A brainchild of Mr. Anil Bhandari (Managing Director of International Travel House) PHDCCI started giving out awards a couple of years ago. This year the ceremony was held at the Ashok Hotel, New Delhi and the awards were given out by the Minister for Tourism, Ms. Ambika Soni. The top award of the Golden Hat Chef went to M S Gupta of the Ashok Hotel. |
| 4. WASHINGTON’S INDIAN EATERY IN TOP 20 LIST |
| Washington: The 140 seat “Rasika” in Washington DC is among the 20 best new restaurants in 2006 in the US as named by men’s magazine, Esquire. With its signature dishes like crispy spinach salad, and tamarind sauce and black cod with fresh dill cooked in a tandoor (clay oven), the eatery date is very popular. Chef Vikram Sundaram of award winning London restaurant Bombay Brassierie is at the helm. |
| 5. PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER BUILDS HOMES FOR MAHARASHTRA POOR |
| Bombay: A 100 houses were constructed at Malavali village in Lonavala (Maharashtra) as part of the Jimmy Carter work Project in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity and corporate sponsors. Former US President Jimmy Carter visited with his wife Rosalyn. Hollywood actor Brad Pitt is in India (Angelina Jolie is shooting for a movie) also pitched in and built a wall for a home. |
| 6. PM LAYS FOUNDATION FOR AIR INDIA MAINTENANCE BASE IN TRIVANDRUM |
| Trivandrum: Prime Minister Mr. Man Mohan Singh laid the foundation stone of Air India’s maintenance base at Trivandrum’s International Airport on 1 November. This new maintenance base to be built by Air India will have the latest technology and used to maintain the Boeing 737-800 aircraft fleet. |
| 7. CHATTH CELEBRATED 28-29 OCTOBER |
| Patna: Chatth is a festival celebrated 6 to 7 days after Diwali (28 and 29 October this year) Prayers are offered to the rising and setting sun while standing in water (river pond or sea). It is a thanksgiving for life’s many bounties while seeking the blessings of Nature’s great forces – the sun, earth and rivers. |
| 8. ANNUAL PHOOL WAALON KI SAIR |
| New Delhi: The famous Phool Waalon ki Sair was held on November 2. This festival has a presentation of floral fans (pankhas) offered at the Mausoleum of the Sufi Saint Khwaja Baktiar Kaki and the Hindu Goddess Yogmaya. It is being celebrated since Mughal times and stresses communal harmony and has many cultural programs taking place every year. |
| 9. PUSHKAR FAIR A HUGE DRAW WITH VISITORS |
| Jaipur: The week long celebrations and camel trading at Pushkar began 21 October. The Fair is held every year in the lunar month of Kartik and culminates with a dip in Pushkar lake on the day of the full moon. (5 November this year) Over 500,000 visitors attended with about 15,000 foreign tourists. Buying and selling of camels and camel races and cultural evenings were the highlights of the Pushkar Fair. |
| 10. SHIVPURI FESTIVAL FROM 25-26 NOVEMBER |
| Bhopal: Shivpuri Festival will be celebrated here from 25-26 November with music and dance. Shivpuri in Madhya Pradesh is close to Gwalior (2 hours away) and is better known for the Madhav National Park, a wild life reserve. |
| 11. PURI BEACH FESTIVAL 23-27 NOVEMBER |
| Bhubaneshwar: The Puri Beach Festival in Orissa was held 23-27 October. The handloom and handicraft section attracted many buyers Traditional artists from Orissa demonstrated their craft. Cultural programs and local cuisines were a great draw for visitors. |
| 12. 22ND INTERNATIONAL HOT AIR BALOON FAIR HELD IN DELHI |
| New Delhi: Teams from Spain, India, Switzerland, Holland and America really took off for a race on 29 October from New Delhi. The inauguration on the 28th October was when people were taken for joy rides. The grand finale is planned for 11 November with races and a special show where each balloon will try to hit a target on the ground. |
| 13. JAHAN-E-KHUSRAU ENTHRALLS BOSTON |
| Boston: The last week of October, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, reverberated to the sound of Sufi Music. The Jahan-e-Khusrau festival a part of New Delhi’s scene every spring was part of the 3 day celebrations held in Boston. |
| 14. KINGFISHER AIRLINES TIES UP WITH DELTA |
| Bombay: Kingfisher Airlines will carry passengers of Delta airline within India. Delta started a direct non-stop flight New York-Bombay on 1 November. The journey will take about 14 hours Kingfisher Air will carry Delta’s passengers to Delhi, Madras, Ahmedabad and Bangalore from Bombay within 2 hours of Delta landing. |
| 15. PALACE ON WHEELS ADDS SEVERAL LUXURIES |
| Jaipur: The second Palace on wheels to be launched in Rajasthan early next year will have a dance floor, a massage center, a conference room and bars. It will be the third tourist train to be operated by Rajasthan Tourism after Palace on Wheels and Heritage on Wheels (on the Shekhwati sector). The second Palace on wheels will also have special suites. |
| 16. TAMIL NADU TOURISM TO LAUNCH “AUDIO GUIDES” AT TOURISM CENTERS |
| Madras: Tamil Nadu Tourism will soon have audio guides available for foreign nationals visiting Mahabalipuram, Tanjore (the Brihadisvara Temple) and Iravadisuara among others. The service slated for launch end of October early November will be available at the 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites in the state. |
| 17. INTERCONTINENTAL TO EXPAND TO SMALLER CITIES |
| Cochin: The Intercontinental is all set to sign 5 hotel management contract deals this year all over the country to promote their man brands of Intercontinental, Crown Plaza and Holiday Inn. The first will be a 253 room Holiday Inn in at Cochin. With 22 floors it will be the tallest hotel tower in south India and will be operational end 2005. |
| 18. INDIAN STARTS DELHI TIRUPATI SERVICE 29 OCTOBER |
| Madras: Indian (formerly Indian Airlines) started operating Delhi-Tirupati service. It is also offering a special Tirupati Darshan package for this pilgrimage town. |
| 19. CAPITAL’S CONNAUGHT PLACE WILL GO WI FI FROM 1 JANUARY |
| New Delhi: A 6 month public-private pilot project is to be launched from 1 January 2007. Around 10 internet kiosks are being set up and government buildings, offices, restaurants and cafes will get wi-fi (wireless fidelity) that will make Internet access free for laptop and mobile users. |
| 20. OLIVE RIDLEY TURTLES KEEP THEIR DATE WITH ORISSA END OCTOBER |
| Bhubaneshwar: The Olive Ridley Turtles Swim for thousands of miles to come each year to Orissa end October for breeding. They have been sighted end October, like clockwork, at the Devi river mouth near the coastal waters off the Ganga Devi beach in Puri district. The Orissa coast is the nesting ground for more than half the world’s population of Olive Ridley turtles, the other two being Costa Rica and Mexico. |
| 21. FAIRY QUEEN BEGINS DELHI-ALWAR-DELHI RUN FROM 11 NOVEMBER |
| New Delhi: Built in 1855, the Fairy Queen is the oldest steam engine in working condition. Every year it takes visitors on a Delhi-Alwar-Delhi trip. This year the schedule has been announced. It will ply twice a month beginning 11 November) in November, December 2006 January and February 2007. |
| 22. TAJ GROUP PLANS TAKING TAJ EXOTICA AND SPA BRAND TO SOUTH EAST ASIA |
| Bombay: The Taj Group plans to take its super luxury Taj Exotica Resort and Spa brand to Phuket in Thailand and then to Bali and Fiji. At home the Group announced the opening of its first luxury wilderness lodge. The tie-up will operate through a new entity Taj Wilderness Lodges a joint venture between Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, conservation Corporation Africa and Cigen Corporation of Nepal. The first lodge, Mahua Kothi, (on the border of Bandhavgarh National Park) will open in February 2007. |
| 23. AIR ARABIA TO FLY TO MORE INDIAN CITIES |
| Sharjah: Air Arabia, Sharjah’a low cost carrier plans to connect more tier II cities like Mangalore, Goa, Lucknow and Amritsar over the next year. To begin with Air Arabia will expand its network to Trivandrum, Ahmedabad and Madras by March 2007. |
| 24. NOIDA TO HAVE 25 NEW STAR HOTELS BY 2010 |
| New Delhi: Noida (to the east of New Delhi) plans to build 25 new hotels in time for the Commonwealth Games 2010. Among these, 10 hotels will belong to the five star category. Noida also has a world class convention centre. |
| 25. BODHAMAHOTSAV, TAWANG, ARUNCHAL PRADESH 5 NOVEMBER |
| Tawang: Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, UPA Chairperson attended the 6th Bodhmahotsav at the monastery town of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh in the countries northeast. This year the Bodhmahotsav has special significance as it is the 2550th year of Buddha’s parinirwana. |
| 26. ELEPHANTS DECKED UP AT SONEPUR FAIR 5 NOVEMBER |
| Patna: All roads lead to Sonepur in Bihar for the Kartik full moon (5 November this year). This is when a huge livestock Fair takes place. There is a special section for buying and selling of elephants. Tourists enjoy elephant rides and even playing with elephants. |
| 27. JAIPUR TO SELL HERITAGE LIQUOR |
| Jaipur: Shops all over Rajasthan will sell heritage liquor, made from age old recipes of Rajasthan Royals. It is made from dry fruits, nuts, herbs and spices with a touch of saffron sometimes. To begin with, shops in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Bikaner, Ajmer, Udaipur and Bharatpur will sell the special liquor. |
| 28. BOLTA BANDANA UTSAV A SAILING FESTIVAL OF ORISSA |
| Bhubaneshwar: Orissa celebrates Bolta Bandana Utsav – a festival of setting adrift small handmade boats on the water. It is to commemorate the brave Kalinga Merchants of yore who sailed to neighboring islands for trade. The practice dates back to the 5th century AD. Thousands of people in Orissa celebrate the festival on Kartick Purnima (5 November this year) by flocking to the banks of rivers. It was Kalinga who sailed to Indonesia, Java, Bali, Sumatra and Sri Lanka to establish maritime relations and spread Indian culture. As per legend the wives of traders would worship boats and pray for the safety of their husbands. |
| 29. HILTON HAS TWIN STRATEGY FOR INDIA |
| New Delhi: Hilton Hotels has a two-pronged strategy for India. On the one hand they are setting up a joint venture with DLF Ltd to build hotels, on the other they will set up a wholly owned subsidiary for operating these properties. Hilton will invest $143 million in India over the next 5-7 years. |
| 30. HAMPI FESTIVAL HELD WITH GREAT FANFARE 3-5 NOVEMBER |
| Bangalore: This year the Hampi Festival (3-5 November) at the World Heritage site was held with great pomp as it coincided with the 50th anniversary of Karnataka State. Besides daily sound and light shows at the Vithala Temple, mud wresting and other folk activities were the attraction. About 3000 artists participated. Artists from Tanzania, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Fiji showcased their talent. |
| 31. MINISTER OF TOURISM AMBIKA SONI LAUNCHES B+B SCHEME |
| New Delhi: On 18 October Ms Ambika Soni, Minister for Tourism launched the guidelines for the Incredible India Bed+Breakfast scheme to augment the shortage of hotel rooms in the capital. She also spoke of MICE, Cruises and adventure as the next marketing focus of the Ministry. Short clips of the electronic media campaign for the International market were also shown. |
| 32. NEW AIRBUS A – 319 JOINS INDIAN’S FLEET |
| New Delhi: Indian (former Indian Airlines) placed an order for 43 Airbus planes worth $ 2 billion. The first plane arrived 19 October from Hamburg via Sharjah. The Civil Aviation Minister was on hand to do the honours. The A-319 (122 seator) has a maximum cruising speed of 850 kmph and a range of 5500 km. The other planes will be delivered between June 2007 and March 2010. |
| 33. INDIA INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW COCHIN 20-22 OCTOBER |
| Cochin: Global brands in the boating sector will participate in the 5th India International Boat show at Cochin 20-22 October. 60 odd exhibitors at the show in “God’s own country” will include leading international boating brands like Bayliner Trophy, Walker Bay, Ferretti and Regal besides marine equipment market leaders like Garmin, Lalizas, Vetus, Plastimo and Volvo Penta. 4oo odd buyers from India and abroad are expected to visit the show. |
| 34. YOGA GURU RAMDEV INVITED BY KOFI ANNAN TO ADDRESS UN ON POVERTY ISSUES |
| Dehradun: On 15 October Guru Ramdev delivered a lecture on poverty alleviation at the UN headquarters as part of the world body’s anti-poverty drive. It is the first time a yoga guru has been invited by the UN to play a leading role in one of its campaigns He was invited by Kofi Annan, the Secretary General. |
| 35. SRI LANKA’S ENDANGERED TURTLES HEAD FOR INDIA’S FIRST MARINE PARK |
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Colombo: In a ground-breaking project with the BBC, the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) has for the first time satellite tracked the migrations of endangered nesting green turtles from a wildlife sanctuary on the south coast of Sri Lanka to Asia’s first marine protected area off Tamil Nadu on the east coast of India.
MCS and local partners the Turtle Conservation Project (TCP) and the Department of Wildlife Conservation fitted satellite tags to six female turtles after they nested at Rekawa Turtle Sanctuary on the south coast of Sri Lanka in August this year. The Sanctuary was declared in May 2006 as the country’s first Wildlife Sanctuary for marine turtles. The first turtle to be tagged, Helen, began her migration immediately after she was released and swam about 500km to the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve where she has since remained. The Biosphere Reserve was declared as South and South East Asia’s first marine protected area in 1989, and since Helen arrived there in August she has been joined by 2 of the other tagged turtles. Meanwhile, another turtle called Sayuri-Emerald has taken a completely different route, having just crossed the seas between Sri Lanka and India and is now heading north along Kerala on the India’s west coast. |
| 36. VIRGIN’S SIR RICHARD BRANSON TO CO-PRODUCE RAMAYAN |
| Washington: Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin comics and Toronto based Kahani World will co-produce a full length animated feature inspired by the Indian epic Ramayan. “Secrets of the seven sounds” will be targeted at children 7 years and above. |
| 37. GURGAON TO HAVE 20 LUXURY HOTELS BY 2010 |
| Gurgaon: Gurgaon, (close to Delhi), will have 20 three and five star hotels by 2010 with about 10,000 rooms in all. During the Commonwealth games (2010) there will be a demand for 133,250 hotel rooms in the National Capital Region (NCR) so Gurgaon’s 10,000 rooms are sorely needed. As Gurgaon is to be connected to the capital by the Metro train and super fast Expressway tourists will be able to stay in Gurgaon and commute to see the capital’s sights. |
| 38. BOMBAY’S VICTORIA TERMINUS TO GET DESIGNER LOOK |
| Bombay: The India Railways are getting set to give the city’s World Heritage designated Victoria Terminus (now called Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus) a designer spruce up. Besides separate arrival and departure platforms on 2 levels there will be shopping malls, world class parking facilities and five star waiting rooms A leading Bombay architect has been roped in for the job. |
| 39. RESORT FOR PETS ON DELHI’S OUTSKIRTS |
| New Delhi: The Resort at 32nd Milestone in Gurgaon will soon open the doors of its Bow Wow club so you can bond with your pet over a candle light dinner. There will be a special doggie menu and professional dog trainers will feed and look after the pets. |
| 40. AIR INDIA LAUNCHES PLATINUM JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS |
| Bombay: Civil Aviation Minister Mr. Praful Patel inaugurated Air India’s platinum Jubilee on 15 October with a specially designed laser show beamed on the landmark Air India building at Nariman Point Bombay. A specially designed emblem was also unveiled. It was on 15 October 1932 that the legendary JRD Tata flew in a Puss Moth from Karachi to Bombay and Air India was born. With the acquisition of 68 new state – of – the – art aircraft, Air India is set to become Asia’s largest international carrier. |
| 41. ITDC TO BUILD 5 NEW HOTELS AND COUNTRY’S LARGEST CONVENTION FACILITIES IN THE CAPITAL |
| New Delhi: India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) is to build 5 new star category hotels in the capital as joint ventures with private parties. A five star property of 165 rooms will be built next to the Ashok Hotel. Another hotel will be built next to the Janpath hotel with one to be built near the Qutab Hotel. The Convention Center will come up between the Ashok and Samrat Hotels and will accommodate 3800 delegates. |
| 42. AIR SLOVAKIA FLIES IN WITH PUNJABI FLAVOUR TO AMRITSAR |
| Amritsar: Harjinder Singh Sidhu, a Patiala born sikh has bought Air Slovakia, becoming the first Punjabi to own an airline. He brought in the first flight from Cologne (Germany) via England to Amritsar, with 112 on board, to pay obeisance at the Golden Temple. He said his Airline (3 Boeings at present) will have a “Punjabi Flavour” with Punjabi food, films and Punjabi speaking hostesses dressed in traditional outfits. He plans to add 6 more aircraft. Two new flights – London to Amritsar and cologne to Amritsar have started operating. |
| 43. GOA EXPECTS GOOD HOLIDAY SEASON |
| Panjim: Goa’s tourism high season began on 14 October with the arrival of 2 chartered flights from the United Kingdom carrying over 600 tourists. . About 15000 tourists are expected to arrive by 22 October. Goa expects a 30% increase in arrivals this year with 850 international flights (up from 720 last year) largely from the UK, Russia, Scandinavia, Germany and Spain. |
| 44. 15TH ASIAN GAMES DOHA TORCH RELAY AT TAJ MAHAL |
| Agra: Bhim Singh, former Indian high jumper held the torch for the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006 Torch Relay at the Taj Mahal in Agra on 12 October. The relay is the longest in the history of the Games, traveling 50,000 km to 15 countries and regions in 55 days and then returning to Doha for the opening ceremony. |
| 45. AIR ARABIA SIGNS UP RELIANCE WORLD TO BOOK ITS TICKECTS |
| Bombay: Air Arabia and Reliance World are in collaboration to offer facilities to book Air Arabia tickets in 54 Reliance World outlets across Bombay, Rajasthan, Nagpur and Kerala using real broadband facilities assisted by web guides. |
| 46. GUJARATI EXPATS OWN 42% OF US HOTELS |
| New York: In the 1970s the Patels moved in to buy motels in the US, so much so, these motels were often referred to as “Potels”. Some three and a half decades later the same Gujarati (mostly Patels) own 21,000 of the 53,000 hotels and motels in the US; a staggering 42% of the US hospitality market with a combined worth of $40 billion. |
| 47. 8000 DRUMMERS TO DRUM UP A RECORD IN MEGHALAYA |
| Shillong: A band of 8000 drummers is set to break a record for 5 minutes of synchronized drum beats set by Hong Kong. The band will play a newly composed piece, “Positive Vibration” to enter the Guinness Book of World Records. The ensemble will play at Meghalaya’s autumn festival which expects to have entertainers from Australia as well. |
| 48. BUDDHIST PAGODA FOR BOMBAY |
| Bombay: One of the biggest man made structures in the world, a dome shaped pagoda, 385 feet tall is being built in Bombay. It will be built of pink Jaipur sandstone and a part of Buddha’s ashes will be placed in the keystone of the main pagoda. This will help give out positive vibrations to those meditating inside. |
| 49. KYUDO DEMONSTRATION IN INDIA COURTSEY JAPAN FOUNDATION |
| New Delhi: Kyudo, the purest of all martial arts will be demonstrated in Sonipat and the Capital by 4 Kyudo specialists. This Japanese archery technique which means “The Way of the Bow” will be performed at the Japanese school on 25 October. The Guimi (Japanese bow) is taller than the archer and traditionally made of bamboo, wood and leather and Kyudo’s ultimate goals are shin (Truth) Zen (Goodness) and Bi (Beauty). |
| 50. LONDON CELEBRATES DIWALI AT TRAFALGAR SQUARE |
| London: The Mayor of London and the Diwali in London Group hosted Diwali celebrations at Trafalgar Square transforming London’s famous public area into a mini India. Visitors joined in the celebrations festivities in a fair like atmosphere. |
| 51. NASDAQ CELEBRATES DIWALI AT TIMES SQUARE IN NEW YORK |
| New York: The landmark Nasdaq (market index) building at Times Square was lit up in colours of the Indian flag as was the Empire State Building, all to celebrate Diwali, India’s festival of lights. As usual a fair was held at the South Sea Seaport in New York The White House also hosted a Diwali party on 19 October. |
| 52. DUBAI TOURISM WOOS BOLLYWOOD |
| Dubai: Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) is focusing its marketing initiatives on wooing Bollywood to project a positive image about Dubai DTMC is also promoting the Dubai shopping festival slated for early next year. DTCC has tied up with over 20 leading tour operators to promote the Dubai shopping festival (26 December 2006– 4 February 2007). |
| 23. AIR CHINA TO FLY DIRECT BEIJING – NEW DELHI |
| Beijing: Air China will launch the first direct Beijing – New Delhi flights on 30 October. These will operate 3 times a week on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. |
| 54. VASCO DA GAMA YACHT RALLY TO TOUCH COCHIN |
| Cochin: The International Vasco Da Gama Yacht Rally (from Greece to Portugal via Cochin) has already left Greece and is scheduled to touch Cochin in the third week of the month. The rally has 16 yachts with sailors from different nationalities. It was on the Malabar coast that the Portuguese Vasco Da Gama landed in 1498. |
| 55. THE MONK WHO JUST GOT WIRED RATHER WIRELESSED |
| Dharamsala: A wireless mesh in Dharamsala (Himachal Pradesh) has emerged as one of the best examples of low cost technology by using the spires of the temples (situated on high mountains) to install antennae and by using solar power. This Wi-Fi network encompasses more than 2000 computers all thanks to an Israeli dot com engineer. Tibetan exiles, Hindu priests and an underground computer security group called “The cult of the Dead cow.” |
| 56. ASHWA POOJAN CEREMONY IN UDAIPUR AMIDST POMP AND COLOUR |
| Udaipur: The erstwhile Maharana of Mewar, Shriji Arvind Singh celebrated with full regalia the Ashwa Poojan or worship of horses from the royal stable on the 9th day of Navratri (1Otober this year) He came to the event in the Manek Chowk in a 1905 vintage English Royal Landau. Five thorough breds were worshipped and fed with his favorite horse Raj Tilak sporting gold jewelry and the others silver jewellery. The pooja is a traditional one, to thank the horses for their loyalty to their masters in times of war and has been performed for the past 120 years. |
| 57. KERALA TOURISM TO REVIVE THE URU / ARAB DHOW |
| Trivandrum: Kerala Tourism has plans to start uru cruises to replicate the spice route travel of the 16th century. The uru is a home made colossal sailing vessel made out of timber and used to ply the Indo Persian routes in times gone by. It is the Indian equivalent of the Arab Dhow. When launched they will operate on the Bekal – Cochin sector. |
| 58. TRAVEL HOUSE AWARDED AS INDIA’S BEST TRAVEL AGENCY BY TTG ASIA FOR THE 2ND CONSECUTIVE YEAR |
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New Delhi: International Travel House Ltd, an ISO 9001 company has been adjudged “Best Travel Agency-India” for the year 2006 for the 2nd consecutive year by readers of the prestigious Singapore based weekly, TTG Asia. The accolade could not have been better timed as it coincides with the completion of the silver jubilee year of International Travel House.
Mr. Anil Bhandari Managing Director, ITH received the award on behalf of the agency at a ceremony at Hotel Royal Cliff Beach Hotel, Pattaya, Thailand on the 12th of October. |
| 59. SKAL DELHI-THIRD AMONG TOP TEN |
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New Delhi: In a study conducted by Skal International recently Skal Delhi with 191 International Members has achieved the third position among top ten clubs, making its mark on Skal World map.
Skal Clubs around the world with the highest number of international members as on 8th June, 2006 were : Istanbul 240; Stockholm 218; Delhi 191; Hong Kong 176;Miami 172; Hamburg 159; Zurich 152; Cape Town 149; Boston 144 and New York 141 |
| 60. MR. KAMAL SHARMA TAKES OVER AS SECRETARY GENERAL, FHRAI |
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New Delhi: Mr. Kamal Sharma has taken over as the Secretary General of the Federation of Hotels and Restaurants Association of India (FHRAI) on October 18, 2006. Mr. Sharma succeeds Mr. Shyam Suri, a retired IAS officer to this prestigious assignment.
Mr. Sharma had earlier served as Managing Director of the Hotel Corporation of India. |