By BW Hotelier RAJASTHAN HAS launched a multi-year, multi-modal, multi-narrative and multi-crore global campaign to galvanize tourism in the state with a view to raise the tourist arrivals 50 million mark by 2020. Unveiling the campaign before a gathering of eminent stakeholders, including leaders from across the tourism sector, the Chief Minister, Vasundhara Raje, said (see photo), ’Tourism is the world's biggest industry and Rajasthan with its rich heritage is poised to fully exploit the opportunities the state offers. Tourism has a huge multiplier effect by way of creating direct and indirect jobs, which improves the economic status of people across the state. Our plan for tourism is nested within the broader Rajasthan model of development, which has three pillars ’ job creation, social justice and effective governance.’ The campaign will play an important role in the Government of Rajasthan’s vision of doubling (present 1.5 million to 3.0 million tourists) the footfall of international tourists by the year 2020. In the same period, the Government also aims to increasing the domestic tourist traffic from the present 33 million to 50 million tourists. The evening saw the launch of a new logo and brand identity for the campaign. The campaign also includes a new website and an advertisement Print, TV and outdoor spots which are aimed at attracting both the seasoned traveler and the youth to explore Rajasthan in a whole new way. Raje added, ’This campaign will herald Rajasthan Tourism 3.0. Rajasthan Tourism 1.0 of the 80s was about our landscape, the harsh terrain, and the adventures immortalized by Satyajit Ray on celluloid. The 90s saw version 2.0, with a forward looking vision which included our heritage properties. With Rajasthan Tourism 3.0 we aim to implement an integrated plan that revolves around experience, infrastructure, cleanliness, security and marketing.’ Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (I/C) for Tourism & Culture, said, ’The scope for expansion of the tourism industry in India and specially Rajasthan is significant. Rajasthan with its rich heritage has enormous potential to attract travelers from across the globe and also create value for investors in the state.’ The launch of a new tourism campaign is in line with the state’s efforts to provide a further boost to the sector and attract more tourists to the state. To achieve this, the state reinvigorated our world famous festivals through PPP model. These include the Pushkar Fair, Desert Festival and Kumbalgarh Festival. New events like the Bhakti Music Festival, Coke Studio, International Photo Fest and International Music Festival have also been added to the annual calendar. Realizing that the tourism sector in Rajasthan has a huge potential to grow, this new campaign aims to increase the number of foreign and domestic tourists visiting the state. Shailendra Agrawal, Principal Secretary, Tourism, Art & Culture, Archeology & Museums, Government of Rajasthan, said, ’Global trends indicate that Asia Pacific’s share in global tourist traffic will rise from 22 per cent to 30 per cent in the next 1015 years. Through our campaign, we aim to attract these travelers to India and especially to Rajasthan. Even a small rise in this traffic to the State will create tremendous opportunities for our state and its tourism industry.’ According to Piyush Pandey, Executive Chairman & Creative Director, South Asia of Ogilvy & Mather, which is the creative partner for the Rajasthan Tourism 3.0 campaign, ’Rajasthan Tourism is the campaign I have been waiting for, for the last decade. It is my home state and I think I owe it an impactful and effective campaign. I am looking forward to the exciting times ahead.’ The campaign also focuses on highlighting Rajasthan as a favored tourism destination not just during peak periods but throughout the year. This campaign will also spread awareness about the lesser known destinations that the state has to offer. In the least two years the Government of Rajasthan has focused on strengthening the tourism infrastructure ’ not only through upgrading existing circuits but also by developing new circuits.
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By BW Hotelier INTERCONTINENTAL CHENNAI Mahabalipuram Resort was officially launched. The opening was marked by IHG’s-Shantha de Silva, Head of South West Asia and Bryan Gabriel, Director of Commercial, South West Asia, who joined Vijai Singh, General Manager of the Resort and Arindam Kunar, Area General Manager, South India, for an inaugural-address. Shantha de Silva, Head of South West Asia, IHG, said,’-Mahabalipuram forms part of South India’s glorious history and InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort-encapsulates authentic aspects of the soul of Madras.-With an encouraging response from local and global markets since the soft-opening in October 2015, we started out what promised to be a successful first year of operations. We take tremendous pride in the resort, which is the latest addition to IHG’s revamped resort collection.’ Vijai Singh, General Manager, InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort, said,’-We are thrilled to welcome guests from India and around the world to a truly special east coast luxury resort experience. We promise to offer our guests personal connect and unparalled service. The Resort is the owning company’s second partnership with IHG since the agreement with their sister hotel brand Crowne Plaza in Chennai in 2015. ’ The 105 room resort offers a full range of facilities and amenities to guests, including an outdoor swimming pool, a fully-equipped health club and a spa,-Amrtam by Escenza-that offers relaxing therapies and signature treatments from across the world, Ayurveda and yoga. The Resort’s expansive and versatile indoor and outdoor venues are ideal for conferences, meetings, and special occasions such as wedding celebrations. InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort offers three gourmet dining options which includes-The Melting Pot: Market Cafe-with three live kitchens that serves the best of European, South Asian and Peninsular Indian cuisine, a Chinese Specialty Restaurant,-Tao Of Peng, and Off The Hook, a beachside grill and seafood restaurant. The Gatsby Lounge-offers guests classic cocktails and more, in an ambience inspired by the spirit of the roaring twenties and the jazz age. InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort has been designed by CV Sydney, a firm which is an offspring of the renowned Singapore based Kerry Hill design firm. In addition to the breath-taking view, the hotel-has state-of-the-art architecture and d-cor to add to the luxurious experience of world-class accommodation,-personalized service, and dedicated amenities. While couples unwind in the relaxing ambience of the resort,-Planet Trekkers-offers activities to keep children engaged through the day. The-Club InterContinental Lounge, another of IHG’s Hallmarks, offers exclusive service for guests staying in the East Coast Suites. InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort is one of the only resorts in South India to offer a dedicated Concierge, staying true to IHG’s promise of offering authentic experiences that are immersed in the destinations across the world.
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By BW Hotelier ACCORDING TO the December 2015 STR Global Pipeline Report, China reported the most rooms under construction with 146,322 rooms in 464 hotels. Two other countries reported more than 20,000 rooms under construction: Indonesia (23,446 rooms in 126 hotels) and India (22,860 rooms in 138 hotels). There are 2,501 hotels totaling 578,114 rooms under contract in the Asia Pacific region. This represents a 7.5 per cent increase in rooms under contract compared with December 2014 and a 0.6 per cent year-over-year increase in rooms under construction. The under contract data includes projects in the construction, final planning and planning stages but does not include projects in the unconfirmed stage. The region reported 255,224 rooms in 1,021 hotels under construction for the month. Photo is purely representational.
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By BW Hotelier THOMAS COOK (India) Ltd. has announced the launch of ’Thomas Cook Mini’, a strategic deployment of small technology assisted outlets to aggressively harness the growth potential emerging from India’s tier-III markets. Pathanamthitta, Kerala saw the company’s inauguration of the first of its Thomas Cook Mini outlets. Thomas Cook India’s internal research having highlighted the powerful growth potential for retail transactions, including burgeoning remittance opportunities, the Company conceptualised a quick deployment strategy of small technology assisted outlets to rapidly penetrate India’s underserved Tier III markets; hence the launch of its innovative Thomas Cook Mini. The outlets have been designed optimising space and will be manned by a small team, equipped with technology via mobile devices/tablets for seamless online connectivity to central systems, thus facilitating quick customer transactions. This unique model delivers on a two-pronged strategy of efficiencies of quick market penetration and scale-up. While Thomas Cook has chosen its Foreign Exchange business to pioneer this initiative, its Thomas Cook Mini outlets will see expansion to include other Travel Related Services, basis the demand dynamics of the respective location markets. Mahesh Iyer, Chief Operating Officer- Foreign Exchange & Head Visas, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., (see photo) said, ’With our internal data-analytics clearly revealing the untapped yet high growth potential of Tier III markets, a low-cost, rapid penetration model was mission critical, and our Thomas Cook Mini fits the bill perfectly! Such small Tech assisted outlets give us the opportunity to set up shop, test the waters and expand- with the immediacy that was demanded and we are very excited with the initial response from our new Kerala Thomas Cook Mini at Pathanamthitta.’ Iyer added, ’Such small, efficient, technology assisted outlets (equipped with mobile devices or tablets) will provide our customers with, both ease in access and convenience of swift foreign exchange transactions and we plan to harness this model to scale up our operations for other ancillary travel related services.’ ’Our Thomas Cook Mini outlets also serve as a viable servicing/delivery centre for our Online Forex Store and Forex App, seeing significant growth of over 85 per cent,’ he concluded.
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By BW Hotelier ACCORHOTELS TODAY-announced the opening of ibis Chennai City Centre. The opening marked AccorHotels’ third hotel in Chennai city followed by ibis Chennai SIPCOT and Novotel Chennai SIPCOT in 2014. The hotel features 155 rooms and is centrally located on the city’s arterial and historic, Mount Road. Situated in the heart of Chennai city, the property is a short drive to Chennai airport and within close proximity to several shopping and entertainment attractions. Ibis Chennai City Centre offers modern, comfortable and well equipped ibis rooms and ’Sweet Bed’' by ibis’ offering guests a quality sleeping experience. Guests can expect the highest level of service offered l when staying at an ibis with a selection of food and beverage outlets to choose from with Spice IT, its signature multi-cuisine restaurant providing an all-day breakfast concept from 4:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and a lounge and bar area, The Hub, offering a wide selection of refreshing beverages and light snacks. These adaptations are reflective of the hotel’s commitment to service quality and modernity in meeting the needs of business and leisure travellers. ’The opening of the ibis Chennai City Centre is a strategic milestone for the ibis brand in India.. Offering consistency, quality and affordability, the brand combines the ultimate comfort of modern and well-equipped rooms with the highest level of service for business and leisure travellers. The opening of ibis Chennai City strengthens our brand presence in Chennai and adds to the growing ibis network of 12 hotels in the region.’ said Jean-Michel Cass-, Senior Vice President, Operations, AccorHotels India. J.B. Singh, President & CEO, InterGlobe Hotels, said, ’Chennai has a growing demand for quality affordable rooms, and the ibis brand innovates constantly to illustrate its values of modernity, comfort and availability. The opening of ibis Chennai City Centre further consolidate the strategic partnership between AccorHotels and InterGlobe with the aim to enhance the ibis network growth in India’.
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By BW Hotelier THE MUCH-anticipated luxury property of the Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Taj Santacruz, Mumbai is now open. Strategically located just off the Western Express Highway, the hotel offers a vantage point of access, with proximity to the city’s financial and entertainment centres. The newest addition in Taj’s home city, and the fourth group hotel in the financial capital, Taj Santacruz is a tribute to this historic city and its pulsating cosmopolitan spirit. Farhat Jamal, Senior Vice President - Operations (West-India) & Africa, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, said, ’Taj Santacruz will set a benchmark for luxury in North Mumbai, with its unparalleled Taj service, elegantly appointed rooms and contemporary restaurants. It will be an oasis for business and leisure travelers alike. It is the new jewel in the Taj crown.’ Pankaj Sampat, General Manager, Taj Santacruz, Mumbai, said, ’We are delighted to extend the legendary Taj hospitality with the opening of Taj Santacruz in Mumbai. With its distinctive design, spacious rooms and warm service, Taj Santacruz is a luxurious new addition that is symbolic of the cultural melting pot that is quintessentially Mumbai. The hotel captures the spirit of the city and offers curated experiences to its guests, deep rooted in its culture.’ With the domestic and international airports in its vicinity and being minutes away from the city’s new shopping, business and dining hubs, Taj Santacruz comprises 279 rooms and suites which are among the largest in the city and blend contemporary elegance with touches of traditional Indian style. The Taj Club Rooms, located on the dedicated Taj Club Floor, are designed to meet the specific needs of the international business traveler, with a 24 hour cyber butler, high speed Wi-Fi and private check-in service. The two lavishly appointed grand suites ’ the Presidential Suite and Grand Luxury Suite ’ each has its own separate living spaces and kitchenette. Taj Santacruz reflects Mumbai’s spirit and captures its essence through its exceptional dining experiences and varied culinary offerings. Local meets global at Tiqri, the expansive split-level atrium restaurant offering comfort food that foregrounds freshness, delicious street food from around the world and regional cuisine. Rivea offers guests a refreshing take on the famed French and Italian Riviera palate in a modern coastal fusion of the best dishes from the South of France to North West Italy. Designed to rejuvenate the senses, the hotel features a beauty salon, outdoor swimming pool and state-of-the-art fitness centre.
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By BW Hotelier THE FIRST meeting of’-National Medical & Wellness Tourism Promotion Board’-held in New Delhi discussed the mechanism and importance of promoting India as Medical & Wellness Tourism hub. The meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State (I/C) for Tourism & Culture & Civil Aviation yesterday. Key-members, including representatives of well-known hospital chains,-other stakeholders and the representatives of related Government Departments, Tourism & Hospitality sectors and experts in various disciplines including Wellness and Yoga participated in the meeting. Dr. Sharma, Chairman of the Board and the Minister for Tourism announced that Three Sub-Committees would be constituted immediately to look into the issues such as Regulatory; Accreditation and Marketing. He mentioned about the role of government as a facilitator and that the private sector has to continue to lead the medical and wellness tourism sector. The Board will function in an effective, responsible, and time bound manner to find solutions for immediate concerns in the efforts of health and tourism sector.-He added that India’s competitive advantage, which lies in a large pool of well-trained medical professionals, and its cost competitiveness compared to other countries, will certainly take this niche segment of tourism to its greater height. The Board plans to build up a data bank of available resources in the field of Medical and Wellness services in the country and to develop mechanism to disseminate such information to the source markets. The Board observed that the healthcare delivery system in the country has improved and there are several positive factors in our healthcare system due to which several countries now look East, particularly India because of the quality offered at affordable cost. However, it was pointed out that a system needs to be devised to iron out the unevenness in the delivery system. It was reiterated by the members that more accredited hospitals, easy visa regime and providing linkages between service providers and the end user is the need of the hour to develop, promote and market India as a Medical & Wellness Tourism hub. The Board decided to have a single responsible body which is visible, accessible and through which the various medical systems which are interconnected can be reached by all. The Board unanimously agreed that a dedicated and sustained campaign on Medical & Wellness Tourism in the source markets will result in substantially enhance medical tourist arrivals to the country which can be led only by Government interventions. It also agreed on integrating the services under Ayurveda, Yoga and other systems. The Government needs to address the issue of sensitization of service providers, particularly in the field of Wellness & Ayurveda. Healthcare and wellness has become one of the largest sectors of India - both in terms of revenue and employment comprising hospitals, clinical trials, outsourcing, telemedicine, wellness, health insurance and medical tourism, health insurance etc. The Indian healthcare sector is growing at a brisk pace due to its cost effectiveness, strengthening coverage, services and increasing expenditure by public as well private players. With healthcare cost in developed countries increasing, cost consciousness among patients seeking treatment and availability of accredited facilities has given rise to many global medical tourism corridors. Among these, India is one of the countries which have a large number of accredited facilities. Realizing the importance of this and to provide dedicated institutional framework to take forward the cause of promotion of Medical and wellness Tourism,-Ministry of Tourism, Government of India-has constituted a Medical and Wellness Tourism Board.-This Board will-provide leadership of the government within a framework of prudent and effective measures, thereby enabling promotion and positioning of India as a competent and credible medical and wellness tourism destination.
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By BW Hotelier THE MINISTRY of Tourism (MoT) has launched the following new skill initiatives on the occasion of ’National Youth Day’ to mark the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekanand in order to improve the sectorial service standards, which is one of the pre-requisites for attracting tourists in larger numbers: (I) A Sensitization Programme for the Existing Service Providers at Varanasi It will target boatmen, rickshaw pullers, pandas, porters, shopkeepers and street vendors (in and around ghats and temples). Each course will be of four days duration and the trainees will be compensated for the wage loss. The programme will be implemented by the Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel Management. The primary objectives of the programme will be to eventually achieve an improved tourist specific service ambience and to further the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan. The first course/batch commenced on January 12, 2016. (II) A Programme to Groom Young Persons Interested in Home Delivery Service as an Occupation It will target persons who are atleast matriculates and in the age group of 18-28 years. Each course will be of six days duration. The programme will be implemented by the Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel Management, Institutes of Hotel Management & Food Craft Institutes. The programme will prepare the trainees to deliver food at home with skill, style and civility. The first course/batch commenced on January 12, 2016 at the Institute of Hotel Management, Pusa. (III) A Programme of Training to Bring Up ’Paryatak Mitra’ It will target college-going students including those enrolled with the NCC & NSS, in the age group of 18-28 years. Each course will be of ten days duration. The programme will be implemented by the Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel Management, first at destinations identified under the PRASAD scheme of the Ministry of Tourism. The programme will attempt to inculcate appropriate tourism traits and knowledge among the trainees to enable them to act/work as Tourist Facilitators (Paryatak Mitra). The first course/batch commenced on January 12, 2016 at Varanasi. (IV) A Training Programme to Bring Up Tourist Facilitators in the North East It will target 10+2 pass-outs in the age group of 18-28 years. Each course will be of 30 days duration. The programme will be implemented by the Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel Management. The primary objective of the programme limited to the North East, will be to achieve better tourist satisfaction in terms of availability of skilled tourist facilitators. The programme will be advertised soon. Photo:-The Ministry of Tourism launched the new skill initiative ’Paryatak Mitra training programme’, on the occasion of ’National Youth Day’ to mark the Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekanand, at Varanasi on January 12, 2016.
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