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| www.travel2india.com india nepal sri lanka bhutan | ||
| << Newsletters from the past |
<< May 2007 |
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Welcome
to another edition of "Creatively Yours", the newsletter from Creative
Travel India
Have a Creative Day ! |
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Established in 1977, Creative Travel has grown to be among India's leading Destination Management Companies covering all of India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Tibet. This region is a special place for travelers and our vast experience in handling clients from all over the world allows us to create the most memorable programs for you. |
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| In this Edition... | ||
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| Creative News | ||
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Creative Travel named "India's Most
Professional MICE Tour Operator" Continuing with its tradition of recognizing stellar performances and path breaking initiatives of players across various segments of the travel and tourism business, the 14th edition of SATTE, in partnership with Samsung, applauded some of the industry's noted names. While a majority of the awards were annual in nature, with performances of the past 12 months considered the key parameter, some special awards were also given away for long-term contributions. SATTE conducted INDUSTRY POLLS, a cross-industry poll across different segments. Each segment voted for the other. More than 300 CEOs of the travel and tourism industry exercised their preference in selecting top performers and drivers of the industry. Hoteliers were asked to poll for the best tour operator and top inbound tour operators were asked to express their preference for the most professional hotelier, the best domestic destination and the best products. Similarly, outbound operators had to choose the best international destination and airlines judged top agents with NTOs identifying the best outbound tour operator. In each segment, respondents were asked to give three choices: Most preferred, second nominee and third nominee. Interviewees had to send in their opinion by April 2. However, considering requests by industry stalwarts, the closing date of the poll was extended by another week. Based on the opinion poll, SATTE awarded hotels, tour operators, domestic and international destinations, domestic and international airlines. The award for top business, heritage and beach hotel were clinched by Leela Palace, Bangalore; Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur and The Leela Goa respectively. The heritage hotel category award witnessed a lot of repositioning during the entire poll period. Till the first phase of poll, it was Samode Palace which was heading for the top position. However, after the extension of poll date, Umaid Bhawan Palace emerged the winner with 121 points pushing Samode Palace to the second spot with 102 points. Kerala maintained its supremacy from the beginning, ultimately bagging the top domestic destination award with 212 points, leaving the second position for Goa with 174 points. In the top international destination category, Singapore with 105 points remained far ahead of the second spot that went to Malaysia with 67 points. In the aviation sector, there was a neck-and-neck fight between Jet Airways and Kinghfisher Airlines for the top spot in domestic airlines. However, Jet Airways, with 200 points, piped Kingfisher Airlines (199 points) to the post, with a single point separating the two. For the most dependable airline award, it was the good old Indian Airlines. In the of top international airline category, Emirates with 129 points beat Singapore Airlines in the final round by a margin of 23 points. During the first phase of poll, which was to be closed on April 2, Singapore Airlines had emerged the winner. However, in the extended period, Emirates Airline surged ahead. In the tour operator's category, the top honours in the MICE, business travel, leisure and outbound segments went to Creative Travel, Carlson Wagonlit Travels, Le Passage to India and SOTC respectively, while HRG Sita bagged the best travel agent award. Kumarakom Lake Resort and Amanbagh together were awarded in the best new product category. Other aspirants in this category included recently opened Radisson Kumarakom, Ista Bangalore, Casino Group's Swaswara, Baghvan, among others. Click here to read the article published in Economic Times... |
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| Creative Travel becomes a charter member of ABC Events ABCevents.com has been developed by specialists from the tourism sector together with corporate and agency meeting planners and travel managers. Today managed by Alchemy Sales & Marketing Solutions with active collaborators around the world, ABCevents goal is to help meeting planners in their event planning and organizational process by providing them with the information they need. Creative Travel is proud to be a partner of this new initiative. |
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| Summer Sale from Creative Travel | ||
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Enjoy
India...
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| Special Offer from Creative Travel & Taj Hotels | ||
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May - September 2007 Taj Hotels has launched a special deal for the traveler who wants to stay in some of their unique properties. There are 3 options for the guests : 1) Flexible Itineraries - Incredible Royal Escapes 8 night offer - using a minimum of 2 nights at either The Taj Mahal Delhi or Taj Mahal Palace & Towers, Mumbai, and the balance totaling upto 6 nights in any of the 3 Grand Palaces in, Jaipur, Udaipur or Jodhpur. Guests can extend their stay at any of the hotels as per the Individual per night Hotel offers given. 2) Fixed itineraries - There are 2 itineraries for the guests to choose from - Incredible Golden Triangle and Incredible Dream Escapes . The minimum number of nights indicated in each of the itineraries is mandatory, however guests can extend their stay at any of the hotels as per the Individual per night Hotel offers given. 3) Individual Hotel offers - These are per night rates at various hotels and the minimum length of stay is 1 night. So guests can make their own itinerary. For details click here or email us. |
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| Client Comment of the Month | ||
| We at Creative track client feedback very carefully. Each evaluation form gives us an insight on our operations and allows us to constantly refine our service delivery process. Now and then we get a few letters that brighten up our days. These are some of them : From - Francoise Montenay To - Creative Travel Dear Mr. Singh, Thank you very much for your personal involvement to make the CEW travel successful. 34 women must not be so easy to satisfy specifically when their budget and schedule are tight. Click here to read more... From
- Marjorie Mounsey |
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| Destination News | ||
Indian Rupee touches 9-year high against
dollar
 The rupee breached a nine-year high of Rs 40.53 a dollar on Monday before a closing at a lower level of Rs 40.87. RBI fixed its reference rate on Monday at Rs 40.57 per dollar, which is the highest level since May 1998. This is bound to affect pricing of all Indian agents after having enjoyed years of a strong Dollar. The Weakening Dollar is an issue of concern and we will need to keep an eye on this for all matters of pricing. Click here to read more... Click the below links to read more : The Times of India : Rupee breaches 41/dollar The Economic Times : Re rides past 41 to new 9-year peak |
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| The Oberoi Motor Vessel Vrinda Welcome onboard luxury cruiser The Oberoi Motor Vessel Vrinda, the only way to experience “God’s own country” Kerala in complete grandeur and style. As the cruise meanders through canals and lakes, unwind and rejuvenate in the peace and tranquillity of this photographer’s heaven. Experience a way of life unique to this region with this vessel’s expert sightseeing guides. Absorb the rich tradition of Kerala while classical dancers in beautiful costumes provide enchanting performances on board. Click here to read more.... |
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| Hotel plots go abegging Despite the huge shortfall of hotel rooms in the NCR, progress is slow as developers find that the reserve price in the auctions are unusually high. Click here to read more... |
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| Ranthambhore National Park closure Ranthambhore National Park authorities announced that an animal census will be held in Ranthambhore National Park from 02 - 18 May 2007. The park will be completely shut for tourists on the 2nd and 3rd May 2007. Hence there will be no jungle drives on these dates. From the 4th May till 18th May 2007, no jungle drives will be conducted in the morning session. However, the afternoon drives will remain operational as normal. It normally starts at 1530 hrs during summer period. The process of counting will be based on identification of pugmarks and physical sighting around the water holes. |
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| Change in Elephant Ride timings at Amber Fort The Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, Jaipur has announced a change in the elephant ride timings at Amber Fort due to excessive heat. The procedure is that 2 people ride on one elephant, which does a maximum of 04 rounds in a day. The new elephant ride timings are as follows :
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| Incredible India' banner hoisted on South Pole The 'Incredible India' campaign of Union Tourism Ministry hit another milestone after an adventurist skied all the way to South Pole, hoisted the tricolour and put up the campaign banner over there. Ajeet Bajaj, had earlier skied to North and became first Indian to ski to both poles after this latest expedition that concluded in February. Speaking to reporters with Bajaj alongside, Minister of Tourism Ambika Soni said "It is a proud moment for our Incredible India campaign, which showed how far we can go in terms of adventure tourism." |
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| India’s Kerala Houseboat industry preparing to tap MICE
tourism on backwaters Attracting tourists from around the world as a floating beauty, the famous Kerala houseboats "Kettuvallam" are now becoming a leisure tourism product, captivating big corporate houses and business centers. With a growing number of business companies preferring to conduct high-level meetings on "Kettuvallams", the Houseboat experts are anticipating a boom in the Houseboat industry and thus promoting MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) tourism here. |
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| Matheran set to attract more tourists with revival of
toy train The narrow gauge toy train service from Neral to Matheran in Maharashtra, which resumed in March after eight months, is expected to boost the tourist inflow to the hill station. Locals feel that with the resumption of this train service, the number of tourists visiting here as well as other commercial activities will increase. Foreign tourists come here in large number regularly and the toy train is the main attraction for them. The tracks of this heritage toy train were damaged and washed away at many places in the heavy downpour last year. The two-hour journey on the train actually takes only half an hour by road. Yet, it is the romance of the train ride one eternally fancies and cherishes. |
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| Top cruise liners call at Kochi port Kochi has now become a major hub for cruise liners. Last month Queen Mary 11 arrived at Kochi in the second week of March carrying 2500 passengers onboard. The visit by the world’s largest luxury cruise ship Queen Mary II was soon followed by two more cruise liners - Queen Elizabeth II and Radisson Voyager, which dropped anchor in the last week of March at Kochi. Kochi recently has become the only port in India where luxury liners are making a visit, and port of call by Queen Mary 11 at Kochi was the only one in India. The passengers of these ships were given a traditional Kerala welcome including caparisoned elephants and Panchavadyam, the traditional orchestra. Nepal |
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| Increase in Visitor Arrival Visitors arriving by air route to Nepal during March 2007 witnessed another encouraging upsurge with 33.5% growth registered during the month compared to the last March. A total of 34,122 international visitors entered Nepal last month. This was stated in the figures provided by Immigration Office, Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal. The growth in arrivals is contributed by the improved air connectivity in the region on one hand and the growing confidence among the international trade and consumer towards the new era of peace and stability in Nepal on the other. This very encouraging rise in long haul markets especially from US and Europe attests this renewed interest in Nepal as a unique holiday destination.. |
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| Bhutan Off season months in Bhutan changed Bhutan's Department of Tourism (formerly TAB) has changed the dates for off season and peak season travel in the Kingdom. Beginning February 2007, only the months of July and August will be off season with reduced rates. The rest of the year will be considered peak season with regular rates. Pakistan Special Discounted Royalty Fee for Peaks in Pakistan There will be a discounted royalty fee for peaks in Pakistan during the year 2007. The royalty fees are as under :
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| Hotel News | ||
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| Fortune Chariot Beach Resort opens at Mahabalipuram ITC’s wholly-owned chain Fortune Park Hotels, recently announced the opening of its property, the ‘Fortune Chariot Beach Resort’ at Mahabalipuram. The hotel is located 45 kms from the airport & 55 kms from the railway station. The resort offers a range of accommodation ranging from the standard room to fortune cottages, sea view cottages & sea view suites. All rooms have modern amenities like Wi Fi connectivity, Satellite television, Data port, Hair dryer, Iron and ironing board. The hotel offers delectable south Indian cuisine as well as Zodiac, the 24 hour Astral coffee shop. The Health & bar will be opening shortly. |
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| Lemon Tree diversifies into Leisure resort business Business hotel chain Lemon Tree Hotels has diversified into the leisure segment with the launch of its first leisure resort at Candolim beach in North Goa. With this, the hotel hopes to cater to the 'up-segment' corporate clients. The resort stretches from the main road right up to the beach front. Designed to evoke the poetry and romance of 15th century Portugal, it is visually stunning - with medieval oil paintings, artifacts, tile work and stained glass set amidst a lush green environment and calm water bodies. The resort offers guests a choice of 60 beautiful rooms and suites, built along arched loggias, Spanish fountains and palm dotted walkways. All ground floor rooms provide access to a compact private garden. The six heritage rooms and suite, housed in a century old Portuguese mansion, have been restored to their original glory and appointed with all modern amenities. Designed for rest and relaxation, all rooms have large window spaces with cozy seats, adding to the old world charm of the resort. |
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Fortune Inn Riviera opens at Jammu Located on the banks of river Tawi, the hotel is a cozy retreat in serene Jammu. The hotel has 29 well appointed rooms. 4 Deluxe suites, 4 suites and 21 Standard rooms with all modern amenities - Air conditioned, Wi Fi connectivity, LCD television, in-room tea/coffee maker, Minibar, hair dryer and electronic digital safe etc. The hotel offers north Indian cuisine prepared with earthen oven. The other choices include the Orchid-24hrs Multi-cuisine Restaurant, Earthen Oven- An authentic North Indian Restaurant, Open air restaurant (for bar-be-que) |
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| Sri Lanka |
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| Newly refurbished Wing of Galle Face Hotel opens Step into the newly refurbished Southern Wing of Galle Face Hotel - The Regency and immediately you will experience how modern day luxuries have been tastefully incorporated into the Victorian design and architecture of years gone by. A carefully planned and meticulously completed renovation project was carried out. 82 rooms consisting of a multitude of suites cater to both business and leisure travelers with a perfect combination of the ambience of the past and the superior facilities and comforts of today. Guests can look forward to theme rooms and suites, fantastic specialty restaurants, a plush shopping arcade - Piazza, a museum, an exclusive life-enhancing spa and many more attractions located in the new wing. |
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| Westin Dhaka opens Westin Dhaka is now opened and is accepting reservations for arrival on or after June 1, 2007. Uniquely designed and comfortably appointed, The Westin Dhaka is a new five-star hotel, conveniently located within the prime diplomatic and commercial zone of Gulshan. The embassies, high commissions, multinationals offices, and shopping malls are within easy walking distance. All 235 beautiful guest rooms, including 23 suites and a Presidential Suite, feature the world-renowned Westin Heavenly Bed® in addition to state-of-the-art workstations with telephones, four-fixture bathrooms, High Speed Internet Access, and plasma TV with satellite channels. The Executive Club floor offers the grandeur of Westin service standards with complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails. |
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| Aviation News | ||
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| Recipe of the month | ||
| Goan Prawn / Shrimp Curry The Goan cuisine is an interesting mix of varied influences and is undoubtedly one of the most evolved cuisines of India. Goan cuisine is the most diversified of all Indian cuisines. The South Indian flavors, Mughlai influence and the Portugese interpretation makes it very rich in flavors. This delicious recipe tastes great with plain steamed or boiled rice. Click here to read the recipe of Goan Prawn / Shrimp Curry.
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Jagannath Rath
Yatra |
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| Newsletters from the past: March 2007, February 2007, January 2007, December 2006, November 2006, October 2006, September 2006, August 2006, June 2006, May 2006, April 2006, March 2006, February 2006, January 2006, November 2005, October 2005, September 2005. |
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| Contact: Creative Travel Pvt. Ltd. Creative Plaza, Nanakpura, Moti Bagh, New Delhi 110021. India. Tel : 24679192, 26872257-58-59, 26114281 Fax : ++91-11-26885886 / 26889764 Email : creative@travel2india.com USA Fax: +1-646-349-1614 EUROPE Fax : ++44-20-7681-1242 www.travel2india.com 24 Hours International Emergency Contact Number : +91 - 99 11 266 277 (prefix a "0" before the number if dialing from outside |
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