January 2015

Rajeev Kohli
Joint Managing Director

Dear Industry Colleagues

Welcome to another edition of award winning 'Creatively Yours'. Happy New Year ! We wish you all the very best for the new year.

As we enter the first month of 2015, we stop and ponder of all that transpired in the year gone by. Lord Buddha said "Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment".

For us in the Creative Travel family, 2015 brings in our 38th year of being amongst India’s most respected travel companies. One thing that has stood the test of time is our sense of family values. Family in our ownership, in our team and in the way we work with our partners and suppliers across the world. 2014 was a challenging year in the world of travel. From faltering economies to natural calamities, from airplanes gone missing, to acts of war and terrorism, the world saw much happen over the past year, affecting the way people travelled. Nevertheless, we are blessed with a team who endeavours to deliver our vision to showcase the best our region has to offer.

Construction on our new corporate headquarters has made good progress. The structure is ready and internal designs pretty much frozen. Carpets chosen, tiles ordered, colours planned. We hope to move in by April of this year. The new facility not only gives us four times more working space for our team, but also brings in a new sense of energy in our ethos of work.

On October 10, at the glittering 2014 World Travel Awards Ceremony in New Delhi, Creative Travel was proud to have been awarded "Asia's Leading Destination Management Company" (our third) and "India's Leading Destination Management Company" (our fourth). We were also named "India’s Leading Luxury Travel Agency", a first. The World Travel Awards are described by the Wall Street Journal as "the Oscars of the Travel Industry". On October 2, in Bangkok, before an equally illustrious audience of tourism leaders from across Asia-Pacific, for the fourth time we were voted by the readers of TTG publications as the "Best Travel Agency in India" at the prestigious 25th Annual TTG Travel Awards 2014.

We have also proudly launched out new specialist outbound travel brand "Signature Tours". With a focus to offer premium travel products to Indians travelling across the world, it is a growth path long in planning.

We are indeed very, very proud of our team because they make this all possible. They stick by us in thick and thin.

There was a very interesting article recently titled "Are Indians tough to work with?" Hmmm. Some of what is said was true, some a bit embellished, but nevertheless makes for an interesting reading on who we are and why we do the things the way we do. I am sure our friends outside our borders will enjoy it. Read that here.

We have a new government in the nation that is taking bold steps to energise the economy and bring back our prominent role in geopolitics. The world is standing up and taking notice of our Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi, for he speaks a very different language and sends a fresh message, one that cannot be easily ignored. This is a country that is throwing off the shackles of extreme government control and is ushering in a new era of reforms, something which is targeted to take India’s growth in double digits in the next few years. This is a country that is proud to have been the first country in the world to have a Mars space mission that got it right on the first go. And that to at a cost of just US$ 74 million !! An unprecedented event in the history of man and one that has boosted moral across the country.

Many international experts and Indophiles try to dissect, analyse and explain our country. Well, what we would say to that is ‘good luck’. India is not a country, it is a continent. There are over 700 languages spoken across this land. We are the birthplace of 4 major religions of the world, apart from many others which are practiced here. Hinduism is said to have over 330 million Gods alone. We are a nation that can be the most progressive and modern and at the same time be medieval and conservative. India is different things to different people but there is one constant – India is a land that touches the heart.

We as a company and as a family feel privileged to be in a business where we bring to life the dreams and fantasies of travellers from across the world. Every guest we handle, every partner we work with, and every friend we meet, allows us to do what we enjoy doing - being proud Indians and showing it off.

So wherever you are and whatever your heart desires, on behalf of the Kohli family and the entire team at Creative Travel; Plan it! Meetings & Conferences; Signature Tours; The Creative Academy of Tourism; JungleSutra Wildlife Journeys & Creative Overseas, we wish you and your loved ones a great and joyful 2015.
 

Take care

www.travel2india.com
www.creative.travel

Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi international airports in Kerala are offering Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVoA) enabled with ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to citizens of 43 countries, with effect from November 27, 2014. With the facility, tourists can apply and pay the fee for the visa online, without having to travel to the Indian missions in their home countries. Applicants who are approved will receive the official travel authorisation via e-mail and they only need to present a printed copy of this to the immigration authorities upon their arrival in India, as per a release. read more...

Republic day in India is celebrated every year with great honour on 26th of January to honour the Constitution of India as it came into force on the same day in the year 1950. It had replaced the Government of India Act, 1935 into the governing document of the India. At this day, a national holiday is declared by the Indian Government. The new Indian constitution was sketched and approved by the Indian Constituent Assembly and decided to celebrate it on 26th of January every year as India became a republic country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited US President Barack Obama to Republic Day on January 26, 2015, an invitation that has been accepted by the US president. Obama will be the first US president to grace the occasion. The Prime Minister's Office gave an official confirmation on Obama's visit to India. This visit will mark the first time a U.S. president will have the honour of attending Republic Day, which commemorates the adoption of India’s constitution. The President will meet with the Prime Minister and Indian officials to strengthen and expand the US-India strategic partnership.

The Andhra Pradesh government is reportedly planning with a private investor regarding land and other requirements for setting up the Happiest Place on Earth – Disneyland – similar to the one in Paris.

While the talks are still in the initial stages, the state government is actively pursuing the matter. Disneyland is among the many initiatives planned by the government to tap the state's tourism potential. As part of the tourism initiative, developments of convention centres similar to the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) have also been planned in Tirupati, Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam. Andhra Pradesh would also be home to many theme parks and promote water sports, cruise tourism, spiritual tourism and beach tourism in an attempt to increase revenue.

Andhra Pradesh government under Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is expected to detail these initiatives in the tourism mission document, which is to be released later this year. The state government, in the meantime, has received the final draft of the tourism policy to regulate the tourism investment.

Tourists are flocking to Saputara to enjoy the cold winds blowing there and see the beauty of flora and fauna in Gujarat's only hill station during the winter season. Gujarat's tourism department said this time around the hill station will be lit up on the New Year's eve as thousands of tourists are expected to arrive in Saputara to enjoy the paragliding festival, which starts from December 20. The paragliding festival has been extended from 15 to 25 days as it has become a major hit among the tourists. The tourism department has invited around 12 expert paragliders from Himachal Pradesh. The tourists can piggyback with the pilots to enjoy the thrills of gliding in the sky from a height 1,000 metres.

Khyati Nayak, spokesperson of Gujarat tourism department, said, "Gujarat is attracting tourists in hordes particularly at the Kutch and paragliding festivals. Tourists can enjoy the cool breeze and the desert in Kutch and then head for the hill station." According to Nayak, the paragliding festival will go on till January 15, 2015 and everyday there will be more than 120 flights. Most of the days have been booked in advance by the adventure freaks from Surat, Ahmedabad and Vadodara.

The Union Ministry of Tourism has finalised a scheme for Procurement, Registration and use of Satellite Phones by the Tour operators which has been agreed on by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) had urged the Ministry of Tourism to end the ban on use of Satellite Phones for tourism purposes. Lack of communication facilities has long hindered some adventure sports such as high altitude mountaineering, trekking etc.

The various adventure sports available in India include mountaineering, trekking, river rafting, parasailing, paragliding, bungee jumping etc.

A heritage property away from the bustle of Jorhat, makes a perfect base for exploring wildlife in Assam.

If an ancestral mansion has survived two earthquakes, family feuds and nearly a hundred years of use, you can be sure that it has no intention of disappearing anytime soon. Thengal Manor in Jorhat stands with the same majestic pride today as it did all those years ago when it would host banquets for hundreds of guests. This family property is today run as a heritage hotel and is Assam's best kept secret, which is why you'll probably be the only guest walking in its ancient corridors that are dotted with black and white family photographs. read more...

Tamil Nadu's forest department is developing 25 ecotourism spots in the state which will showcase biodiversity rich areas within reserve forests and protected areas where travellers can also experience local culture.

The project's main focus will be to provide a sustainable livelihood option for local communities by getting them involved in the project. The state will use the proceeds from the promotion of tourism in these spots for their development and welfare. The department which has already begun work in four spots is likely to be completed by March 2015. Forest officials said these 25 community-based ecotourism spots in 10 districts have attractions like waterfalls, hills and sanctuaries.

"These sites are for those who can appreciate and enjoy the natural ecosystem. Our plan to improve these places because started out with the need to focus on their conservation while maintaining the integrity of the sites. We also hope to create awareness about conservation," said principal chief conservator of forests and Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Conservation and Greening Project (TBGP) Chief Project Director, Rama Kant Ojha.

Concept Hospitality has announced the opening of their new hotel in – The Fern Residency – in Asansol in West Bengal. Part of a mix-use development, Galaxy Mall, the 42-room hotel is positioned as mid-scale business hotel in the second largest city of West Bengal. The hotel has two restaurants and a 7,000 sqft banquet space.

The hotel offers three types of rooms - Winter Green Rooms, the base category with 315 Sqft. of space; The Fern club room and the Hazel Suites. The restaurants of the hotel offer wide selection of local and international cuisines. The Vista, an all-day dining, along with a lounge bar and in-room dining. With the largest banquet hall in the city, the Hotel is expected to attract a lot of meetings, conferences, etc.

Asansol is one of the busiest trading centres in India. It is a coal mining hub, and has a swiftly growing industrial arena. The city boasts of a huge workforce with its per capita income being much higher than many Indian cities.

Developed by Srijan Super facilities LLP, the hotel will be managed by Concept Hospitality Pvt. Ltd.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc will introduce it's Aloft brand in Kathmandu, Nepal. This will be Starwood's second hotel in the country with a Sheraton Hotel already under construction. Owned by Chhaya Devi Complex Private Limited, Aloft Kathmandu Thamel is scheduled to open in mid-2017 as part of a mixed-use development. The property will feature 175 rooms, technology, and a social atmosphere, as per a release.

Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President, Specialty Select Brands, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, said, "Aloft will energise the lodging market in Kathmandu, Nepal and cater to the next generation of travellers with its emphasis on sleek design and live music offerings as part of the brand's cutting-edge music programming. The popular Aloft brand is growing at a phenomenal pace and is slated to reach the 100th hotel milestone globally next year. Aloft Kathmandu Thamel will be a significant addition to our rapidly expanding portfolio." Centrally located, in close proximity to the commercial epicentre and leisure attractions of the city, Aloft Kathmandu Thamel is part of a mixed-use development that will include 6,650 sq mtr of retail space. Hotel facilities include the brands' signature dining venue Nook, a fitness centre, a swimming pool, a business centre, guest car parking area; and 920 sq mtr of meeting space. Guests can enjoy live music performances featuring emerging local artistes at the hotel's W XYZ bar.

ACCOR last week launched its first Grand Mercure resort property in Candolim, Goa.
The 121-unit Grand Mercure Goa Shrem Resort is the group's second hotel in Goa and offers a 10-treatment room Balinese spa and has three F&B options: all-day dining restaurant Festa, Junho Bar, and Chy lounge.

The resort will also be able to host events for up to 800 guests. Speaking at the launch of the property, general manager Manish Dayya said: "We aim to substantiate our position in this market for leisure as well as for MICE. Our product is geared to handle both equally effectively." Two more Grand Mercure properties will be opened by 2015, one in Vadodara and another in Bengaluru. Mitesh Dani, managing director, Parul Tours, said: "With Accor pushing for a larger market share, the high-end hospitality offering in Goa is closing the gap between supply and demand. There is unfulfilled demand for rooms, leading to healthy ARR in this destination."

Dubai-based flydubai had added Chennai to its emergent network where three flights will serve a week from 31 March 2015.

In addition to Chennai, the budget carrier is also adding Hargeisa and Nejran, further expanding the carrier's footprint to 89 destinations in 46 countries.

Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer at flydubai, commented, "2014 continues to be a very busy year for flydubai. We have announced 26 new routes since January and took delivery of eight new aircraft to support the phenomenal growth plans. We are very excited about the untapped opportunities in the emerging African markets, the progress the UAE has made on the bilateral front in India and the ongoing strong ties with Saudi." Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President Commercial (GCC, Subcontinent, Africa) for flydubai, said, "We are committed to bringing flydubai's high quality and reliable services to underserved markets like Hargeisa and Nejran, and giving passengers in more established markets like Chennai more options to travel to the UAE and beyond through Dubai's aviation hub. We are sure that both our Economy Class and Business Class will exceed the passengers 'expectations and live up to the Dubai brand we proudly carry in our name."

Budget carrier IndiGo has started its first international flight from Bengaluru to Dubai and announced the start of two more daily Mumbai-Bengaluru services.

A statement said, IndiGo will fly daily non-stop flights between Bengaluru and Dubai.
The Mumbai-Bengaluru services will start from December 20. With this, the airline will fly 11 daily non-stop flights between Bengaluru and Mumbai.

"These new flights between Bengaluru to Dubai and Mumbai are testimony to our commitment towards connectivity across the country's corners bringing more and more people closer to their dreams and new opportunities," IndiGo President Aditya Ghosh said.
Last week, IndiGo had announced the addition of Kozhikode as the 32nd domestic and 37th overall destination in its network.

Vistara will be the third full-service carrier in the country, after state-run Air India and private carrier Jet Airways. read more...

Apart from Etihad Airways which is set to begin operations from February 2015, Japan and Turkish Airlines may also be planning to fly from Kolkata. "Besides Etihad Airways, talks are on with Turkish Airlines and Japan Airlines and these two may also soon start their operations from here," said Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (NSCB Airport) Director B.P. Sharma.

German carrier Lufthansa is also in talks over starting their operations. Close to Rs.1,000 crore has been earmarked to better aircraft handling and maintenance services at the terminal. At present, the city airport tackles annual traffic of 11 million passengers while 23 foreign airlines companies operate outside the airport.

Sharma also hinted that the city airport may establish new terminal over a course of five years as traffic volume continues to expand. "As of now, the terminals are half utilized; once the capacity is full, a new terminal may be needed," he said.

Jet Airways (India) Ltd. launches a daily direct service between Lucknow and Abu Dhabi. Jet Airways has deployed a Boeing 737-800 Next Generation (NG) aircraft for the service. There the Premiere and Economy guests will be offered the airline's in-flight service and In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) programme.

Just before the launch of the service, a religious ceremony was organised and a lamp lighting ceremony followed. Finally the service was inaugurated by cutting a ribbon.
Cramer Ball, CEO, Jet Airways, said on the occasion, "It is indeed a proud moment for us at Jet Airways to launch our maiden international flight from Lucknow to Abu Dhabi. We are confident that our approach to provide emerging Indian metros with direct global linkages, will prove very popular with the Indian diaspora, living in these cities and Indians working in the Gulf and beyond. Guests will now have the option to travel beyond Abu Dhabi to international destinations such as Brussels, Manchester, Dusseldorf, Dublin, Belgrade, Moscow, Milan, Frankfurt, Munich and Paris in Europe, New York in North America, London, Johannesburg in Africa, and Gulf countries with our strategic partner Etihad Airways."

Baby potatoes tossed with a spicy mixture is an interesting side dish which can also form part of the salad and can be eaten by all age groups.

Click here to read the recipe....