Diwali Greetings!

Mumbai's monuments can boost fort tourism

Standing tall and bearing the scars of innumerable battles, the remnants of forts in Mumbai are a testament to the valour of Maratha warriors in the centuries gone by. But most are in a dilapidated condition or have been renovated in a way that has robbed them of their original grandeur.

While this city is known as India's business and entertainment capital, Mumbai is not known outside for its forts. Historians and conservationists believe that if tended with proper care, these monuments can give a boost to "fort tourism".

Sharda Dwivedi, veteran historian, researcher and author of several books on the history and culture of Mumbai, is saddened by the lack of care for the forts. The city is home to at least 10 forts that, if developed, can be a major tourist attraction, she said.

"Bombay (Mumbai) has the second largest number of art deco buildings after Miami in the US. However, unlike Miami where an entire precinct was restored, making it an international tourist attraction, here we do little to preserve our heritage," Dwivedi said.

"Moreover some forts, instead of being restored to original glory have just been tampered with using concrete and cement. The state archaeological department has not even bothered to appoint a conservation architect to restore heritage forts," she said.

Castella de Aguada, also known as the Bandra Fort, located at the land's end in suburban Bandra was built by the Portuguese in 1640 as a watchtower overlooking the Mahim Bay to the south and the Arabian Sea to the west.

Under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the fort is currently under renovation.

Not very far from the Bandra Fort, towards the south, is the imposing Mahim Fort. The fort is today literally buried under a pile of garbage.

Strategically located in the Mahim Bay, the fort overlooks Worli to the south, Bandra to the north and Mahim to the east. In a state of disrepair and threatened by encroachments and tidal erosion, the fort is one of the few that are right next to the sea.

"This fort is the best example of total neglect by the state. Where would you find a fort which is as strategically located in the middle of the city?" asks Abha Narain Lambah, a conservation architect.

"One has to literally wade through an awful lot of trash to reach the fort," she added.

The Riwa Fort, right in the middle of Dharavi, the biggest slum of Asia, also requires conservation. Also known as the Kala Qila or the black fort, it was built by Governor of Bombay Gerald Aungier in early 1670s.

In north Mumbai, the Madh Fort, also called the Versova Fort, is located in a secluded spot in Madh Island. It was built by the Portuguese as a watchtower in the 17th century.

Although its external facade is intact, inside it is in a bad shape. Surrounded by local fishermen communities, the fort has been a popular shooting spot for Bollywood movies like "Love Ke Liye Kuchh Bhi Karega" and "Mard".

Also built by Aungier is the Sion Hillock Fort, which is currently the office of the Mumbai circle of the ASI. Sion, in central Mumbai, was a boundary between British-held Parel Island and Portuguese-held Salsette Island, the fort was built between 1669 and 1677. The fort is dilapidated.

"Not a single fort today is in a stable condition. Forts like Riwa and Mahim are surrounded by encroachments," said Anita Rane-Kothare, head of the department of ancient Indian culture of St. Xavier's College.

"This is the situation a year after the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 2010 (Amendment and Validation) came into force January 2010," she added.

ASI's Superintending Archaeologist (Mumbai circle) M.S. Chauhan said while restoration is under way at most forts, removal of encroachment and other logistics will involve several other government agencies.

"But I do agree that once properly restored and cleaned up, the forts can definitely attract many more tourists and encourage 'fort tourism'," he said.

According to Rane-Kothare, the act strictly prohibits any construction within a 100-metre radius of the protected monument.

The Sewree Fort, the Sion Fort and the Worli Fort also badly need restoration.

Nearly seven lakh foreigners visited India in February

Nearly seven lakh foreign tourists visited India in February this year against 6.01 lakh visitors in the same period last year.
Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) during February this year was 6.92 lakh as compared to 6.01 lakh in February last year and 4.90 lakh in February 2009, according to the data prepared by Tourism Ministry.
There has been a growth of 15.1 per cent in FTAs in February 2011 over February 2010. FTAs registered a growth of 9.7 per cent in January.
The 15.1 per cent growth rate in February was substantially higher than 9.7 per cent growth rate observed in January, a senior Tourism Ministry official said.
There were total 12.30 lakh foreign tourists during January-February 2011 with a growth of 12.7 per cent, as compared to 10.92 lakh with a growth of 12.4 per cent during January-February 2010 over the corresponding period of 2009.
Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEE) from tourism also registered a growth in February, as India earned Rs 7,653 crore as against Rs 6,646 crore in February 2010 and Rs 4,547 crore in February 2009.
FEE from tourism during January-February 2011 was Rs 13,430 crore, registering a growth of 9.7 per cent as compared to the FEE of Rs 12,239 crore for the same period last year.
PTI ARU

Goa, Rajasthan hit wedding destinations for US tourists

Goa and Rajasthan are high on the list of preferred wedding destinations in India for urban tourists from the United States, a top tourism official here said Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters after his return from a promotional tour to the US, Goa tourism director Swapnil Naik said the US traveller is drawn to India because of its rich history and cultural heritage, apart from its nature, wildlife, hinterland and adventure tourism.

Naik said that with Goa's sustained popularity with European tourists, mainly from Britain, Russia and Scandinavian countries, targeting US tourists would help in broadening the state's tourist base.

Sanjay Srivastava, Goa's chief secretary who accompanied Naik on the promotional tour, said that the US tourism trade fraternity had evinced keen interest in the possibility of promoting Goa as a wedding destination.

He added that the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) has invited the Goa government to participate in its annual convention and trade show at Las Vegas in Nevada in mid-June.

The Goan delegation's promotional tour in association with Atlanta-based AAHOA covered western American cities like Las Vegas, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

"This is a start we have made by trying to tap the US market. The last time we had gone there was in 2007. But this time we plan to build on these initial contacts we have made," Srivastava said.

Goa is already a sought after beach wedding destination. Only last month, celebrity couple Lara Dutta, a former Miss Universe, and tennis ace Mahesh Bhupathy got married in elaborate style at a five-star resort in north Goa.

Asia travel: Five trends to watch

Political transformation, medical tourism, high-speed rail, cheap airfares and a boom in cruising are among the hot topics in Asia travel.

By Andrew Bender Special to the Los Angeles Times

March 6, 2011

Geopolitics. Rhinoplasty. Who knew those would be among the hottest topics in Asia for 2011? It was news to me, and I've been going back and forth to Asia for a quarter-century, with trips to Japan and China last year alone. To see what the Asia traveler might have in store, I spoke with academics, policy people and regular travelers. Here's what they told me:

Political changes

Could there be an Asian contagion from recent unrest in the Arab world? Lowell Dittmer, a professor of political science at UC Berkeley, thinks it's unlikely. He distinguishes largely Muslim Malaysia and Indonesia from Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and the like. "Both Malaysia and Indonesia are relatively stable democracies and have been seen as models for the future of post-revolutionary Islamic societies of North Africa and the Middle East," he says.

The freeing of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi in Myanmar and other political developments are likely to increase tourism there. "There was effectively a tourism boycott," says Robert Reid, the U.S. travel editor for Lonely Planet, because of Suu Kyi's on-again-off-again house arrest for the last 20 years. After Suu Kyi's release in November, her political party, the National League for Democracy, began encouraging individual travelers to return to Myanmar. The National League still frowns on package tours, says Reid, which it perceives as cooperating with — and thereby helping fund — the military government.

North Korean attacks on a South Korean warship and island made headlines last year, but "for visitors to South Korea, it's not a great concern," says Sue Terry, fellow and Korea specialist at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York. "This has been going on for decades." North Korea provokes South Korea when there's a leadership succession in that isolated nation, Terry says. (Leader Kim Jong Il appears to have made his son, Kim Jong Un, the successor[). "North Korea very well knows not to escalate to the degree that there will be war," Terry says. "The moment that happens, it will be over for them."

For current travel warnings, alerts and country profiles, visit the U.S. State Department's website, http://www.travel.state.gov.

Medical tourism

Americans fretting about rising medical costs at home are among those creating a boom in Asian medical tourism. Thailand, South Korea, Singapore and India are leading the way in checkups, fertility treatments, joint replacements and cosmetic surgery by professionals, many trained stateside, at a fraction of the cost in the U.S.

Costs for Americans can be as much as 70% less than in the U.S., says Paul Keckley, executive director of the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions in Washington, D.C. He estimates that 140,000 travelers went to Thailand alone in 2009 for medical procedures. American medical tourists go for "short-stay surgical procedures where people don't perceive much risk," such as breast augmentation, gum surgery and nose jobs, he says. "You're probably not going over for a lung transplant."

In techie Korea, there's a smart phone app for that (MediApp Korea) in four languages, including English, and a Medical Tourism Information Center at Seoul's Incheon International Airport directs visitors to clinics for plastic surgery, dentistry, fertility, Oriental medicine and more. Treatments in India span Western medicine and ayurvedic massage and yoga, and Bangkok's Bumrungrad Hospital has an international reputation for arthroscopy, tattoo removal and other specialties. Bangkok is even known as a center for gender reassignment surgery.

Keckley cautions those considering such a trip that it's a buyer-beware market. The risk is not so much in the procedure, he says, but in the potential for complications after travelers return home. Some Asian practitioners are enhancing pre- and post-care by using such tools as electronic record keeping.

High-speed rail

While the U.S. has been debating high-speed rail, China has been building it at warp speed.

China's first high-speed line connected Beijing with Tianjin in 2008, and four more lines have opened since. Anticipation is high for a sixth line, which is to connect Beijing with Shanghai in June. It's expected to run the 819-mile route in about four hours, at speeds up to 236 mph. Tickets are projected to cost about $103 versus $190 for a coach-class flight of two hours.

Japan created the world's first permanent high-speed rail system in 1964, and the network continues to expand. On Saturday, the new Shinkansen (bullet trains) on the southern island of Kyushu will extend the journey from the current terminus, Hakata (in Fukuoka), to the new southern terminus in Kagoshima, making the trip in 78 minutes. Along the way, Kyushu's other big city, Kumamoto, will be a 33-minute day trip (or new commuting option) from busy Fukuoka.

Cheaper airfares

A la EasyJet and Ryanair in Europe, frills-free, low-cost carriers are bringing air travel to the masses across Asia.

Singapore's Tiger Airways, Malaysia's Air Asia, Thailand's Nok Airlines, Indian carriers JetLite, SpiceJet and GoAir, and Australian-based JetStar Asia Airways are among the ones to watch. Fares tend to be lower the earlier you book, though taxes, fees, checked baggage and meals can add up. Also be alert for the impact of rising fuel prices on fares.

Singapore is a low-airfare hub. A recent search of Tiger Airways found a round-trip ticket between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur of $37, though checking a 55-pound suitcase would cost you $27.50 more. The same round trip on Singapore Airlines: $223. A similar search on JetStar Asia Airways yielded a double-take-inducing one-way $1.56 fare to Singapore from Kuala Lumpur, though taxes and fees increased that to $23.50.

Random searches for the two-hour flight between Delhi and Mumbai in India yielded round-trip fares of about $144 on SpiceJet and $194 on JetLite, versus $223 on JetLite's full-fare parent company, Jet Airways. Buy-on-board food included north and south Indian-style vegetarian meals.

Lower fare options are cropping up even in traditionally pricey Japan. Fares on Skynet Asia Airways, Skymark Airlines and AirDo average 20% less than on legacy carriers Japan Airlines and ANA, with occasionally steeper discounts. A recent search found one-way fares for the 95-minute flight from Tokyo to Sapporo for about $430 on ANA and JAL, $238 on Skymark and as low as $202 on AirDo.

Travelers to Japan from overseas can save even more with "Visit Japan" fares on JAL, ANA and Skynet Asia Airways, about $126 for a domestic flight when combined with a round-trip ticket to Japan.

Cruise news

"The global cruise industry is now looking toward Asia as a major growth engine," says Lanie Fagan, director of communications for Florida-based Cruise Lines International Assn. The association sees Southeast Asia as one of 2011's hot destinations. About 2 million cruise passengers passed through Hong Kong in 2010, and a record-breaking 1.14 million in Singapore, which is building an almost seven-acre deepwater cruise terminal expected to be completed by late 2012.

By 2015, the Asia Cruise Terminal Assn. is projecting about 7 million annual cruise passengers in Asia, thanks to a growing Asian middle class. Another sign of the times: Atlantis Events, which charters ships for gay cruises, offered its first Asia cruise in 2009 and doubled that in 2010.

travel@latimes.com

Copyright © 2011, Los Angeles Times

Centre to promote state's Sufi circuits

The Union tourism ministry has decided to promote sites connected to Sufi circuit in Bihar. Union minister for tourism Subodh Kant Sahay on Wednesday announced that the Centre would provide funds to develop the Sufi circuits in Bihar.

"Buddhist circuits have been well developed here. They are drawing ever growing number of tourists. similarly, the Sufi circuits will be developed in the same pattern," he said, adding that the Sufi sites at Biharsharif, Manersharif, Munger, Phulwarisharif and several other spots will boost the state's economy.

Sahay said this while inaugurating the new Patna office of Indian tourism here.

"Bihar lacks basic infrastructure in attracting more tourists. The flow of tourists to Bihar has increased manifold. Soon after arrival, tourists start thinking about their return. This is because of lack of proper communication linkage and infrastructure," he said.

Pointing out that the state government has failed to develop adequate infrastructure, Sahay said: "The state government should work to promote tourism which will generate more employment than any other industry. An investment of Rs 10 lakh produces 89 jobs in tourism but the same investment in any other sector will generate only a few jobs," Sahay said.

He said the Bihar government was not serious in pursuing several central projects. "Lack of seriousness and interests impairs several such projects," he said.

"There are only two to three good hotels in Bihar. There is an urgent need to construct more and more hotels in the state," Sahay added.

The new tourism building has been constructed to facilitate the promotion of tourism in Bihar. The Union tourism ministry has plans to prepare projects in the next financial year to further develop the building. Assistant director general India tourism Sanjay Shreevats elaborated on the promotion of tourism in Bihar.

Panchkula to have tallest Jain idol in world

Panchkula will soon be on the world Jain tourism map with the world's tallest idol of the 23rd Tirthankar Bhagwan Parshvanath being installed at a new temple in Sector 18. The 7.3 feet tall idol will be erected by the middle of this month.

''The idol is unique as it has water oozing out of 1,008 hoods of cobras,'' said Upadhyayshri Guptisagar, one of most revered scholars and saints of Digambar Jains in the world, while talking to TOI during an interview here on Thursday.

Guptisagar revealed that the artisans took six months to make the idol and were paid more than they expected but he did not reveal the amount. The saint is himself stationed at Digambar Jain temple in Sector 27 to oversee the arrangements.

''The statue is made of black marble from Makrana in Rajasthan. The final trials of water flow from the mouths of all cobras are going to be undertaken next week,'' he said, adding that the throne of the idol has intricate artistic work.

Guptisagar said the Tirthankar Parshvanath finds reference in Vedas also for turning adversities into opportunities and bliss, the elevated human with a Midas touch. ''This part of India does not have a single Parshwanath temple,'' he said.

Guptisagar, who does not wear clothes according to a level of sainthood attained in the Digambar Jain order, will walk down from Madhya Pradesh to install and consecrate the idol between March 11 and 16 at Panchkula. The saint has 30 publications to his credit and is pioneer of a Jain school that concentrates efforts on public welfare. He does not sleep even for three hours a day.

He explained that Jains are one of the highest per capita income and wealth-holding communities in India and their saints live the toughest life amongst all religious people of the world. Digambar Jain saints don't possess even a single piece of cloth or utensil. They eat and drink only once in a day holding food and drink in the hollow of their palms, he said.

Le Cafe launch to herald heritage effort in Pondy

A French organization, Vieilles Maisons Francaises (VMF), specialising in preserving French heritage mansions across the globe, will launch its Indian chapter French Heritage in India in Puducherry, a former French enclave.

Established in 1958 in France, VMF is presently the largest French heritage society with 20,000 members and 95 regional offices. The society, which strives hard to protect and preserve French architectural heritage, supports important heritage restoration projects with special awards. In the last 30 years, it has awarded 1,400 prizes extending 4.8 million Euros as prize money. It suggests guidelines to government and non-governmental organizations and individuals for protection of architectural heritage.

The new chapter with its base in Puducherry will work towards protecting existing French heritage structures all over the country. To start with, it will make an inventory of important heritage buildings in the country and involve a team of experts in respective regions, who will help in preserving the unique heritage structures.

VMF president Philippe Toussaint will formally launch the chapter in a function on March 4 at Le Cafe on the Beach Road. To mark the occasion, the society has also announced two special awards for the tourism department and a hotel giant for restoring heritage buildings Le Caf' on the Beach Road and Hotel Maison Perumal - to their past glory. Both the buildings are more than 150 years old.

The building which presently houses Le Cafe, a cafeteria run by the tourism department, is one of the distinctive French architectural structures in Puducherry while the other building, which is converted into a heritage hotel, is a typical Tamil architectural structure. Le Caf' was the old port office while the other structure housed the taluk office. Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) helped the government and the hotel giant in the restoration of the buildings.

"The launch of Indian chapter of the French organization here will give the much-required impetus for protection and preservation of priceless heritage structures here," INTACH co-convenor Ashok Panda told The Times of India.

He was of the strong opinion that the presence of the French society in Puducherry will enlighten all sections of people about heritage monuments. "The chapter will undertake a series of programmes to sensitize the public, particularly the students, on heritage preservation. It will also train professionals in India on heritage conservation besides helping the local artisans in improving their skills and marketing their products," he said.

The VMF has also taken up environmental issues and has initiated a campaign against theft and sale of antiques.

India is the new big destination on Asia's travel map

Trident Gurgaon, Taj Palace and Radisson NH-8 - were rated the best in Asia in their categories, and India bagged the distinction of being the continent's top destination, at the World Travel Awards Asia and Australasia on Thursday evening.

The Awards, universally regarded as the Oscars of the travel and tourism business, are determined by secret ballot in which more than 1,83,000 travellers and industry professionals participate in over 160 countries. Of the 47 awards handed over to Asian destinations, hotels and resorts, India bagged 11, including the best hotel brand award to The Oberoi Hotels and Resorts.

INDIA AMONG ASIA'S BEST

Asia's Leading Destination: India
Asia's Leading Hotel: Trident Gurgaon
Asia's Leading Luxury Hotel: Trident Gurgaon
Asia's Leading Meetings and Conference Hotel: Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi
Asia's Leading Resort: Leela Kempinski Kovalam, Kerala
Asia's Leading Hotel Brand: Oberoi Hotels and Resorts
Asia's Leading Tourist Board: Incredible India
Asia's Leading Airport Hotel: The Radisson, Delhi
Asia's Leading Luxury Train: The Indian Maharaja
Asia's Leading Suite: Maharajah's Pavillion, The Raj Palace, Jaipur
Asia's Leading Theme Resort: Orange County, Karnataka


A clear sign of the country's growing positive presence in the international tourism sector was the competition that India was up against for Asia's best destination award. It pipped Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Phuket, Tokyo and Sri Lanka to win the coveted honour.
Likewise, Trident was the first past the post in a field of 21 contenders for the double honour of Asia's leading hotel and luxury hotel. Taj Palace got the award for the continent's best meetings and conference hotel, and Radisson NH- 8 for the best airport hotel.

"It is a big achievement to win this award second time in a row," said Taj Palace general manager Taljinder Singh. " Next year we'll try to win the 'best in the world' title."

The Awards also brought little-known hotels and resorts into the spotlight. One of them is the Raj Palace, Jaipur, whose Maharaja Pavilion was adjudged Asia's leading suite.

"It is an honour to win an award at the Oscars of the travel and tourism industry," said Ankur Rara, the Jaipur hotel's general manger.

And though her hotel was not among the Asian award winners, Monisha Dewan, general manager, Hilton Garden Inn Gurgaon, was quick to point to the significance of the Indian ascendance.

"The Indian travel and hospitality industries are experiencing a boom, especially in the luxury travel and hotels segment, which is now attracting travellers from all over the world," Dewan said.

The surprise winner in the leading luxury train category was the Indian Maharaja, which has been in the news for its financial woes. Its general manager, Kuldeep Singh, though, was quite upbeat. The Commonwealth Games had infused a new energy into India's travel and tourism industry, unlike what people are led to believe.

Not surprisingly, the industry's been quick to recover from last year's meltdown blues, he said.

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/116832/Business/india-is-the-new-big-destination-on-asias-travel-map.html

India voted 7th best holiday destination

While preparations for the Commonwealth Games is causing severe embarrassment to the country, Brand India as a tourist destination is scaling new heights.

Globetrotters and tourists from around the world are warming up to the country's people and hospitality by voting India as the seventh-best destination in the world in the recent Conde Nast Readers' Travel Awards 2010, a head of countries like Thailand, Greece, Brazil and France. Last year, India stood at the 13th position.

According to the results, Turkey was adjudged the favourite holiday destination as people gave it top marks "for range of accommodation and that increasingly important component of any holiday: value for money", says the Conde Nast Traveller website.

Egypt, in second position, scored highest on culture, while Australia in third position was voted for having the best climate. Italy at fourth position and Spain in sixth position were voted for having great food and restaurant offerings, while New Zealand at number five scored highest on environmental friendliness.

India scored highest for the warmth of its people and hospitality with a score of 94.44 on 100. "In the first seven months of this year, inbound arrivals have gone up by about 10%. Besides, India attracts the long haul travelers who spend on an average of 15 days," said Karan Anand, head (relationship and supplier management), Cox & Kings. "New products like the Maharajas Express — the luxury train that is considered among the top ten trains in the world introduced early this year has added a new dimension to the tourism scene."

Three Indian luxury hotels were voted as the best 'Overseas Business Hotel' in the same awards. Taj West End, Bangalore, was rated the second-best overseas business hotel with an overall score of 93.22. The Leela Palace Kempinski, Bangalore, at fifth position had an overall score of 88.94 and was rated highest on having the best conference facilities. The Oberoi, New Delhi, stood tenth with an overall score of 84.81.

Read more: India voted 7th best holiday destination - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/India-voted-7th-best-holiday-destination/articleshow/6515772.cms#ixzz0z7Ne8S9J

Mysore Palace will finally see sound and light show

The sound and light programme of the Mysore Palace, that has seen many a controversy, is back in the news again, this time for the right reasons.

"All steps have been taken to launch the much-expected programme for public viewing before the Dasara," said deputy commissioner and executive officer of the Mysore Palace Board Harsh Gupta.

Mooted in 2003, when S M Krishna was the chief minister, the son-et-lumiere was supposed to have commenced in 2004 but was put off for several reasons. The show was first demonstrated before the officials of the Tourism Department and a group of journalists in July 2007. However, the script took a controversial turn.

It was expected to be relaunched during the 2008 Dasara with a revised script. But, it was deferred once again, with criticisms blocking the show. Subsequently, chief minister B S Yeddyurappa and other dignitaries had viewed it and opined that its script needed to be edited, with certain additions and deletions. Now, it is in the news again with the controversy said to have been resolved finally.

The deputy commissioner has also announced a slew of measures to tighten security around the palace which attracts a record number of visitors annually as many as 2.77 million in 2009-10 and increasing daily, and to provide facilities for these increasing numbers.

The Palace Board has decided to replace the 635 high power consuming different wattage lamps in the Palace with eco-friendly and power-saving LED lamps at an estimated cost of Rs 77 lakh. According to them, this will conserve 20,000 units of power a month and save Rs 1.5 lakh on the power bill, besides reducing maintenance cost. The work will be completed in about a month.

Steps have been taken to set up a three-dimensional multimedia museum at the palace for a 30-minute presentation on its history and tourist spots in and around Mysore for tourists.

Tenders will be invited soon to erect automatic gates for avoiding any delay for visitors while entering the Palace. As part of the steps to provide infrastructure for visitors, toilets are being upgraded to international standards at a cost of Rs 30 lakh and would be put into service soon.

The tender for erecting electric fencing around the Palace fort has been completed. The work has been entrusted to the Electronic Corporation of India, Hyderabad, a Government of India agency, Gupta said.

http://sify.com/finance/palace-will-finally-see-sound-and-light-show-news-news-kjjbESgfbdc.html

Foreign Tourist Arrivals grow 9% in India

New Delhi, Sept 8 (IBNS) Ministry of Tourism compiles monthly estimates of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India and Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEE) from tourism on the basis of data received from major airports.

FTAs in India during the Month of August 2010 were 3.82 lakh as compared to FTAs of 3.50 lakh during the month of August 2009 and 3.83 lakh in August 2008.

There has been a growth of 9.0 % in August 2010 over August 2009 as compared to a growth of (-) 8.6 % registered in August 2009 over August 2008.

Growth rate in August 2010 (9.0%) is more than double of that observed during July 2010 (4.1%).

FTAs during the period January-August 2010 were 34.67 lakh with a growth rate of 9.7 %, as compared to the FTAs of 31.60 lakh and a negative growth rate of 7.7 % during January-August 2009 over the corresponding period of 2008.

FEE from tourism during the month of August 2010 were Rs. 4620 crore as compared to Rs. 4115 crore in August 2009 and Rs. 3626 crore in August 2008.

The growth rate in FEE in Rs. terms in August 2010 over August 2009 was 12.3 % as compared to growth rate of 13.5 % in August 2009 over August 2008.

FEE during the period January-August 2010 were Rs. 41437 crore with a growth rate of 22.6 %, as compared to FEE of Rs. 33791 crore with a growth of 1.4 % during January -August 2009 over the corresponding period of 2008.

FEE in US$ terms during the month of August 2010 were US$ 992 million as compared to FEE of US$ 851 million during the month of August 2009 and US$ 845 million in August 2008.

The growth rate in FEE in US$ terms in August 2010 over August 2009 was 16.6 %.

FEE during the period January-August 2010 were US$ 8997 million with a growth rate of 30.7 % as compared to FEE of US$ 6886 million with a negative growth of 15.3 % during January – August 2009 over the corresponding period of 2008.

http://www.my-india.net/archives/5309

Tourism website and helpline for CWG launched

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit Thursday launched a tourism website and a helpline for round the clock information for tourists arriving in the capital for the Commonwealth Games.

The helpline and the website is a boost to tourism in the national capital, said Delhi Tourism Corporation's managing director Reena Ray.

'Using this helpline and website the tourists from India and abroad can know more about the capital and what it offers, like the variety of cuisines, shopping malls, historical monuments to offer and they can spend more time in Delhi,' Ray added.

The new designed website provides information about transport availability from various parts of the city, online booking for rooms and a huge range of entertainment options.

Ray said the delegates coming to the national capital for Oct 3-14 Games will also be provided a tourist plan.

Launching the tourism helpline, 1280, Dikshit called the number and asked the first query in Hindi on how to reach Qutub Minar. After getting the answer, she asked the operator to repeat the same in English.

http://sify.com/finance/tourism-website-and-helpline-for-cwg-launched-news-default-kjjxucjjebe.html

Experience ‘raindrop tourism’ in Goa

Goa's crowded beaches wear a largely deserted look during the monsoon, a scene which the government intends to change by promoting `raindrop tourism'.

Swimming is banned on beaches after south west monsoon hits the state. But the June-September period is also the time for a different experience with giant sea waves hitting the shores, cool breeze welcoming tourists and numerous streams and waterfalls sprouting amidst lush green landscape.

The tourism department, which had promoted Goa as a 365-day holiday destination, is set to sell the concept of raindrop tourism, especially to travellers from West Asia, where rains are sparse.

For this authorities are streamlining the promotional campaign. "We lack integrated campaign. Our promotional campaigns are distributed amongst multiple agencies. Other states have a single agency doing the job," Swapnil Naik, director, Goa Tourism, said.

Official figure reveals that of the total tourist inflow, around 10 per cent are received during monsoons.

The coastal state is facing tough competition from Kerala, which has branded itself as God's own country and aggressively promotes backwater tourism concept.

Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), which has 13 properties, has introduced discount offers under themes like 'monsoon glee' and 'monsoon honeymoon' at its resorts and hotels to attract holiday-makers during the off season.

GTDC managing director Nikhil Desai said the corporation has opted for an aggressive campaign on Internet and through travel marts. Tapping popular social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter is another way of reaching out to youngsters.

Festivals like Sao Joao, which has revellers jumping into water bodies to welcome monsoons, are promoted by GTDC. Also, the corporation is exposing hinterland to the tourists, who usually don't think of Goa beyond beaches.

GTDC hotels have 60 per cent occupancy along the coastal belt and 50 per cent in other places during the lean season, public relations officer Dipak Narvekar said.

The corporation is offering 30 per cent discount on stay and food during monsoons.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Experience-raindrop-tourism-in-Goa/articleshow/6085638.cms

Emirates to provide online visa service

Emirates Airline will become the first carrier in the Gulf to arrange tourist visas for passengers online in a move that could boost visitor numbers.

The programme could attract more tourists from India, Egypt and eight other countries who are not automatically granted visas on arrival.

The visas for 96 hours and 30 days, offered through the airline’s website as part of a ticket reservation, were announced a day before the airline’s sister carrier, flydubai, begins a new programme to offer tourist visas by SMS and e-mail, in partnership with the immigration authorities.


The two moves will contribute to the Dubai Government’s strategy to boost the tourism sector by encouraging more visitors to stop over in the emirate for several days between flights, and pulling in tourists from a wider number of countries.

The new system would send the message that visiting Dubai was easier than people think, said Manu Mehrotra, the general manager of Al Tayer Travel.

“Everything to make it more convenient would certainly go a long way,” Mr Mehrotra said. “The numbers just need to go up as much as possible to fill the hotels once again.”


Visitors from 33 countries that include the US, Britain and Japan receive their visas on arrival in the UAE and do not need to pay a fee.

The Emirates Airline programme allows visitors from 10 additional countries to pay the fee and get a visa online within four days, without having to visit an office or embassy.

The new programme “requires none of the running around often associated with submitting forms, securing approvals and collecting visas”, said Richard Vaughan, the airline’s senior vice president for commercial operations worldwide.



The introduction of the programme this month “will facilitate travel for scores of tourists visiting the emirate during the Dubai Summer Surprises”, Mr Vaughan said.

He was referring to a two-month festival starting next month that involves live performances and other events, plus discounts at shopping malls and hotels to bring more visitors to the emirate in the hottest months.

Flydubai, the budget carrier owned by the Dubai Government, will tomorrow start a three-month trial of a similar system that directs passengers to fill out a form on the website of the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department, then present a printed bar code or an SMS message on arrival in Dubai to retrieve their visa.


The programme could also save tourists money. Emirates said it would charge Dh161.50 (US$43.97) for a 96-hour visa and less than Dh210 for the 30-day visa, and a Dh64 service fee.

Mr Mehrotra’s company arranges visas for visitors and normally charges between Dh300 and Dh350 for the 30-day visa, he said, with the extra margin needed to cover “overhead costs”.

Providing help with visas was not a main part of the company’s business but other companies “that are in the business of visas” can charge far more, he said.


But the new programme would not address the question of security deposits for visas that some experts have said was a major hurdle to further growth in tourism from developing countries.

Tourists from countries bound by visa restrictions – all but the most developed countries – are often asked to put down a deposit, which is typically between Dh5,000 and Dh9,000, to secure a tourist visa through a hotel or travel agency in Dubai.


The deposit is not mandatory by law but the hotel or tourist agency, which acts as the visitor’s sponsor, uses it as a form of protection in case the visitor overstays his visa. Sponsors must pay at least Dh5,000 fees if a visitor overstays.

Emirates did not respond to a request for comment on the deposits it charges visa applicants.

http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100517/BUSINESS/705179894/1005

cstanton@thenational.ae

Terror no deterrent for tourists during Games: Selja

Union Tourism Minister Kumari Selja on Monday said security threats are unlikely to deter foreign or domestic tourists from visiting New Delhi during the Commonwealth Games in October.

Claiming that not just India but many other countries face terror threat, she said: "We are expecting both foreign and domestic tourists to come to New Delhi during the Games. We do not think any terror threat can deter them from arriving."

"India is equipped to tackle any emergency situation. We will make world-class security arrangements during the Games and there is no need to worry," she said.

"Preparations for the Games are in full swing. We are expecting to offer world-class facilities to players, officials and spectators coming here," said Selja said.

The minister said the government is also providing formal training to service providers like taxi drivers and restaurant workers in New Delhi who are expected to come in direct contact with thousands of tourists.

“We are training our manpower to deal with the tourists efficiently. Taxi drivers, autorickshaw drivers, other service providers and workers of some restaurants and hotels are being given training in soft skills.

"We are teaching them some frequently used English words and how to express everything with courtesy, before others,” said Selja.everything with courtesy, before others,” said Selja.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/punjab/Terror-no-deterrent-for-tourists-during-Games/Article1-544847.aspx

Coming: Air safaris in Jammu & Kashmir to attract tourists

Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) plans to take tourism to new heights. It will soon launch air safaris to enable tourists to visit the unexplored virgin valleys in far-flung areas of Kashmir.

Through air safaris, it also seeks to attract high-end visitors to important tourist destinations in the state.

“Eight destinations have been short-listed [for air safaris],” MoS for tourism Nasir Aslam Wani said.

Tourists going on air safaris will be able to explore Lolab-Bungus, Gurez near the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir, Zanskar in Ladakh and scenic spots in Jammu’s Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch and Rajouri districts.

Situated 10,000-ft above sea-level, Bungus is a linear elliptical bowl in Kashmir’s Kupwara district. It comprises of 100 lush green meadows surrounded by lofty mountains. The exotic flora and fauna make Bungus an attractive tourist destination for nature lovers.

Gurez Valley is a fertile, 50-mile stretch in the Himalayas by Kishenganga river. It lies below the 8,000-ft high-altitude LoC that divides Indian and Pakistani sectors of Kashmir. Despite its lofty mountains, lush green meadows, exotic wildlife and rich Dardi-Sheena cultural moorings, the valley remained unexplored due to years of militancy.

“We will establish a well-coordinated network to take tourists to the spots. We have also floated tenders for air-service companies to bid. J&K Tourist Development Corporation will be the nodal agency to coordinate the air safaris,” Wani said.

The J&K government also plans to build helipads at these spots. “Tents will be put up for tourists who want to spend more time there,” Wani said.

http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_coming-air-safaris-in-jammu-and-kashmir-to-attract-tourists_1383916

India becoming major medical tourism destination in Asia

NEW YORK: India is surging ahead in the race for medical tourism leaving behind countries like Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore which were earlier considered preferred destinations of foreign patients.

India holds a strong appeal for Americans as the exploding costs of medical treatment in the US are forcing them to venture to exotic places to get heart surgery, cancer therapy, and dentistry.

Many Indian hospitals have been quietly negotiating with US companies to send their employees to India for medical treatment at "rock-bottom rates", as one brochure of a Bangalore-based hospital in circulation in the New York/New Jersey region professes.

India companies are acquiring firms in Singapore and Thailand which enables them to take advantage of a large trans-Asia presence that results in boosting business, besides strengthening infrastructure and treatment possibilities for foreign patients.

Many foreign patients who arrive in India have already acquired some exposure to and confidence in Indian medical experts and nurses who maintain a ubiquitous presence in hospitals in the USA, Canada, UK or even Australia.

Studies have forecasted that India's medical tourism market will be worth some USD 2 billion a year by 2012 compelling the Indian Government to introduce a new category of medical visas for foreigners to facilitate their stay in India.

The visa issued to the patient and an accompanying caretaker, could be extended up to three years.

Indian hospitals in Mumbai and Bangalore - and also in other cities - report of a steady rise in the number of patients from the United States.

"Even with airfare, the cost of going to India for surgery can be markedly cheaper, and the quality of services is often better than that found in the United States and UK.

Indeed, many patients are pleased at the prospect of combining their tummy tucks with a trip to the Taj Mahal," YaleGlobal, a flagship publication of the Yale
Center for the Study of Globalisation contended.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/indicators/India-becoming-major-medical-tourism-destination-in-Asia/articleshow/5940630.cms

Munnar Hill Station’ voted as Asia’s second Best Tourist Destination

The beautiful hill station Munnar is a crown for Kerala Tourism. It has been recently ranked Asia’s second best travel destinations by renowned travel guide, TripAdvisor.

Online PR News – 14-May-2010 – Lagging behind only to Japan’s Tokyo, the serene hill station http://www.hillstationsinindia.com/ of Munnar has been voted as the second-best travel destination in the world, for the year 2010, by the Massachusetts-based research website & travel guide, TripAdvisor. This picturesque hill station of Kerala is followed by Siem Reap of Cambodia and Kyoto & Naha of Japan rounding off the top five spot in the Traveler’s Choice Destination awards.



Surrounding by sprawling tea plantations Munnar ( http://www.hillstationsinindia.com/south-india-hill-stations/munnar.html ) is situated between three mountains; Nallathanni, Kundala and Muthipuzza. Its mountains, tea gardens, pristine valleys and cold climate have together made it a favorite Indian and foreign tourist destination.

Speaking on this occasion the Kerala Tourism secretary Dr Venu said, “Millions of travelers rely on the TripAdvisor for travel guidance. We are thrilled and at the same time quiet humbled that Munnar has been voted by travelers this year. This award is particularly meaningful to us since as they are decided by the travelers themselves.”

While Munnar has been a favorite amongst both Indian and international tourists, the hill station has recently started attracting adventure travelers as well. The region’s geographical topography makes it an ideal destination for trekking, paragliding and rock climbing. Apart from this, the Eravikulam National Park located in ‘God’s Own Country’ is home to an variety of rare & endangered wildlife like the Nilgiri Tahr (ibex), the ruddy mongoose and over 120 species of bird.

For Kerala/Munnar Hill Stations Tour & Travel Services Call on 91-9212777223/24/25 or visit http://www.hillstationsinindia.com/ http://www.tourmyindia.com/states/kerala/index.html
http://www.onlineprnews.com/news/35917-1273903302-munnar-hill-station-voted-as-asias-second-best-tourist-destination.html

Two airports likely for Goa

Tourists who come from across the world to laze around in the balmy beaches of Goa will now have another attraction — it will have not one but two airports. The cabinet will soon take up a proposal to let the existing Indian Navy airport to operate even after the new airport in north Goa comes up.

“We are in favour of operating the existing as well as the proposed airport. The state government and the Navy, which owns the existing airport, are also in favour of operating both the airports,” said a senior civil aviation ministry official who did not want to be identified.
A new airport is being built at Mopa near the Maharashtra border on Goa’s northern tip with private participation. The existing airport, owned by the Navy and operated by the Airport Authority of India (AAI), is situated at Dabolim in south Goa. At present, the Goa airport handles 2.7 million passengers annually.
This will be first instance when an old airport will continue to operate even after a new airport has been built. The old airports in Bangalore and Hyderabad, for instance, were closed because they could have impacted the earnings of the new airports.

In Goa, there was resistance to shifting the commercial airport to the north as it would have impacted tourism in the south. Hence, the need was felt to keep both the airports going.

A new airport was needed in Goa as the present airport cannot be upgraded to handle the higher traffic Goa is expected to attract in the near future. Also, there is no scope for construction of a cargo area.

The government plans to build 35 new airports across the country. New airports in Sikkim and Karnataka are scheduled to come up in the next two years. Airports at Navi Mumbai and Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, one each in Kerala, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh (for cargo) have been accorded in-principle approval.

Further, proposals for setting up of three new airports in Maharashtra, one each in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Puducherry, Nagaland and Rajasthan have been received, apart from the proposal to set up a cargo airport in Haryana.

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/two-airports-likely-for-goa/395079/