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
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September 10, 2010
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
"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
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
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
June 24, 2010
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
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
May 19, 2010
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
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
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
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
May 17, 2010
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
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
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
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