Goa reaps big with the VoA facility

Just within a week after the visa-on-arrival (VoA) facility started at the Goa airport at Dabolim, the beach-haven issued almost 1091 visas till December 25, 2014. On an average 100 VoA are being issued a day with effect from December 17, 2014. So far, VoA to Russian nationals top the charts.

Reports show that Goa airport had issued 375 VoA between December 4-16. “The figure has tripled within a period of 10 days and is going to increase over the next couple of days,” said Assistant director and chief immigration officer Aravind Kumar H Nair.  There is an increase in charter arrivals too.  The surge is expected to continue as tourism has entered the peak season with New Year festivities attracting tourists from round the globe.

As per data furnished by Goa airport, VoA issued to foreign nationals is as follows: Russia (595), Ukraine (430), USA (25), Germany (15), UAE (7), Australia (4) Philippines (4), Israel (3), Jordan (3), New Zealand (2), Brazil (1) Finland (1), Kenya (1) Norway (1) and Singapore (1).

Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar said, "I have been reiterating this right from the beginning that the VoA facility at Goa airport will bring in international tourists in large numbers. The very fact that it has increased within a period of 10 days shows that within the next few weeks and months, this facility will further boost tourist arrivals from across the globe.”

“We are also expecting a new list with inclusion of more countries for issue of VoA. Goa is keeping its fingers crossed as the new list could include UK and will help bring in more foreign tourists from that country to Goa," he said. 

11 lakh tourists visited Kashmir in 2014

Though Kashmir was hit by the devastating floods and two elections this year, which had all the chances to badly affect the tourism in the land, it is a welcome trend to see that about 11 lakh tourists thronged Kashmir. Kashmir hosted more than 20,000 tourists every month since the floods in September.

“We had crossed the figure of 10 lakh tourists before the floods and as the year is to end now, we have received around 11 lakh visitors,” Director Tourism, Kashmir, said. “After the floods caused widespread devastation, we have been able to revive the tourism by 50 per cent. We used to receive around 40,000 tourists per month for this period of the year but after the deluge, around 20,000 tourists visited Kashmir every month,” he said.

The director said he was hopeful of fully reviving tourism in the next three months as the department was taking many steps aimed at reviving the sector in the Valley and many more initiatives were in the offing. “We are holding local level events, interactions with tour operators outside the state and festivals to dispel the notion that Kashmir was not safe to travel after floods. We have also invited tour operators from outside to see for themselves what the Valley had to offer,” the tourism director informed.

Karnataka to lease 1,463 acres of land for tourism development

Karnataka is all set to lease more than 1,400 acres of tourism department's property to private operators on public-private-partnership model in order to boost tourism activities.  

The cabinet meeting on 23.12.2014 decided to lease 1,463.38 acres and attract Rs.14,737 crore investments in the sector, said T B Jayachandra, Minister for Law.

The move comes in the wake of tourism department's properties being mismanaged and in a pathetic condition. Most of the tourists prefer private hotels and resorts than government run hotels including Yatri Nivas (travellers' bungalows), dormitories, guesthouses and Mayura Hotels.

The Infrastructure Development Corporation (Karnataka) Limited (iDECK), which surveyed the properties, has listed a set of problems and probable solutions to them. The most common problems in all the properties pertain to unkept toilets, no water in toilets, seeping roofs, bad quality of food, improper bedding and hygienic ambiance.

"The move would create 43 lakh jobs and put Karnataka on one among top 50 destinations in the World," Jayachandra said.

KSA may issue tourism visas

With an aim to revive local tourism, the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) has approved provisions to issue tourism visas and regulate the system. If the proposals are finally approved, the SCTA would issue visas in coordination with the Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs.

The Kingdom has a tourism market in areas with a strong historical background, like Madain Saleh or Al-Ahsa's ancient castles. Although investors and businessmen in the tourism field are pushing for tourism visa, procedures for its issuance will only be clarified by the SCTA in the coming weeks.

Hard Rock to open first hotel in India

Hard Rock International Inc. is planning to open its first Indian property in March 2015. The company is planning to the current North 16 Goa Resort owned by Convention Hotels India into the new Hard Rock hotel.

The 135-room hotel in the town of Calangute will feature a restaurant, room service, swimming pool, courtyard and a poolside bar and grill, as well as a workout facility, meeting and event space, and a Rock Shop featuring Hard Rock's iconic merchandise.

Hard Rock Hotel Goa will be managed by Spectra Hotels & Resorts, a joint venture between Convention Hotels India and Spectra Hospitality Services. Convention Hotels India and Spectra Hospitality Services also are exploring other in-country hotel opportunities in partnership with Hard Rock International.

Circus Celebrations at Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa

Park Hyatt Goa  is all set to welcome Christmas and New Year with pomp and glory. The circus celebration started on 7th December 2014 with the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the hotel. The hotel is also offering a wishlist board for the guests where they can share their Christmas wishes and chances are that they may get it done.

Savour a delectable traditional Christmas Eve Dinner at the Village Square with chef crafted preparations and festive entertainment with DJ Mervin will be priced at Rs 7500 all inclusive with select beverages. The Christmas Day Lunch will be organised at Da Luigi with a special chef's choice menu to compliment the festive spirit. Christmas Lunch is priced at Rs 1500 plus taxes.

The grand entertainment - Celebration Circus at the Park arrives at the sea side lawns, just in time for the New Year Eve party on 31st December 2014. The New Year Gala Celebration is priced at Rs 13200 all inclusive. Celebrate the first day of 2015 with a scrumptious New Year Lunch spread at Village Square priced at Rs 1500 plus taxes.

For more details and reservations call 0832 272 1234 or visit www.goa.park.hyatt.com

Special Tourist Train for Goa, Maharashtra

Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) will launch a special tourist train for Goa and Maharashtra before the end of this year, announced Union railway minister Suresh Prabhu. IRCTC will launch the train for tourists in collaboration with the governments of Goa and Maharashtra and the two governments can decide on the exact tourist circuit the train will follow, Prabhu said. Margao railway station will have Wi-Fi facility for travelers by January 31, he said.

K Hospitality to be launched in January 2015

One of India’s largest F&B retail companies K Hospitality Corp is all to launch in January 2015 by consolidating all the brand businesses namely Global Kitchens, Grand Cuisines, Copper Chimney and Travel Food Services, under one single entity.

The business divisions are divided into: Hospitality and Food Services (which leading brands in the landside business), and Travel Retail (which is the airside / airport-centric business).

“The rationale for the brand consolidation is to centralise key functions, provide clear strategies for growth and expansion aligned to group strategy, improved governance and more efficient management of operations of each vertical,” said Varun Kapur, Executive Director, K Hospitality Corp. 

ITDC to Offer Hospitality Courses with help of Assam University

India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) has signed an agreement with Assam Down Town University (ADTU). As part of the deal, ITDC would offer Hospitality Degree courses in Hotel Management and Industrial Training to interested students.

“The joint endeavor is to conduct a three year Bachelors course in Hotel Management at the Assam Down Town University, Guwahati, with industrial training at ITDC Hotels,” said an ITDC statement.  

ITDC would help provide its expertise for the development of the curriculum of the course which is expected to help the students for their future as it would be industry oriented and there would be practical approaches to the new trends that are presently active in the hospitality sector. ITDC would also help the students to undergo the industry status through their vast experience and chain of outlets.

The three year Degree course would be conducted by the Assam Down Town University (ADTU) and would be scheduled in its campus in Guwahati. The programme would offer a joint certification from ADTU and ITDC to the students who would successfully complete their course.

The programme would commence from April 2015 and is expected to get students from the states, who are interested to be in the hospitality industry for long.

Mobile app for Surajkund Mela 2015

                       
 Haryana Tourism is all set tolaunch a mobile application for the 29th edition of the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, which would be held from February 1 to 15, 2015 at Surajkund in Faridabad. Craftsmen, weavers and artistes from across India and abroad will showcase their talent and one can savour delicacies from different states at the Mela. In order to make the Mela more visitor-friendly, Haryana Tourism has come up with initiatives like introduction of a mobile application (app), tie-ups with more payment gateways to ensure smooth online transactions and convenient entry to the Mela for online ticket customers, stated a release.

Sumita Misra, Managing Director, Haryana Tourism, said that it is the need of the hour to offer technologically-sound solutions for visitors. “A mobile app is being launched for the public, which can be downloaded on smartphones with iOS (Apple) and Android operating systems,” he informed. With this, the public can get every kind of information about the Fair, Events Schedule, Artiste/Craftsperson/Performer’s Profile (details including Category, Title, Thumbnail, Description, etc.), Location Map, E-Ticketing, Media coverage of the fair, Photo Gallery, Video Gallery, Information Screen, Contact Us.

Once the app is launched before the start of the Mela, it can be downloaded free of cost from Apple Store (for Apple iOS handheld devices) and Google Play Store (for Android-based handheld devices).

The mobile app, developed by Noida-based TekMindz, will have features through which the user will be able to trace his/her location in the Mela and follow their areas of interest in that particular zone. It will also carry the link of a visitor pass application already developed by National Informatics Centre (NIC), to make it convenient for users to generate their passes and save on any last minute hassles to get entry into the Mela. The app will have links to popular social networking websites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and WhatsApp for collaborating with like-minded people interested in the history and events at the Mela or about the rich heritage and culture of the Mela.

Also, the app will be integrated with Google Analytics for keeping a count of the number of visitors on the application, the place/location of those who have visited the application, etc. and subsequently generate actionable reports for increased analysis. The “Contact Us” section of the application will contain the location of the Mela premises with information and location of the nearby places to stay, recreate and other important tourist destinations with nearest airport/railway station and bus station.

Kerala launches Responsible Tourism

Kerala's statewide campaign focused on Responsible Tourism, 'God's Own Country, People's Own Tourism' was launched in Thiruvananthapuram on 18.12.2014. Oommen Chandy, Chief Minister, Government of Kerala, launched the campaign, which aims to link tourism with rural areas, is part of Kerala Government's Mission 676 and focuses on linking tourism with the mainstays of rural Kerala, including agriculture, traditional trade, village lifestyles and art forms.

The Chief Minister also released the logo of the campaign. It will be implemented through 112 selected local self government groups and as a participatory project is expected to strengthen both tourism and the lives of the people touched by it.

Vasundhara Sarovar Premiere awarded ‘Luxury Spa Hotel’

Vasundhara Sarovar Premiere was awarded the ‘Luxury Spa Hotel’ by World Luxury Hotel Awards 2014 at a ceremony held in Cape Town, South Africa. The award was received by the resort's owner, Dr Vasudevan. Over 1,000 hotels from 145 countries were nominated to participate in the world’s most prestigious awards initiative. Only two resorts from India grabbed the winners’ trophy, Vasundhara is one of them.

Anil Madhok, Managing Director, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts said, "It is really an honour to receive this award. In terms of outstanding achievement in service delivery Vasundhara SarovarPremiere outshined others. World Luxury Hotel Awards not only set standards of our industry but also recognize the commitment and passion that goes into setting this high standard of excellence.”

Earlier this year, this resort was recognised as the ‘Most promising luxury resort in Kerala’ by World Travel Brands. The resort was recognised as the ‘Best Upcoming Spa Resort in Kerala’ by World Travel Brands and was ranked as the 9th best hotel in India by TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Award in 2013.

Vasundhara Sarovar Premiere is a premium 5-star resort located at Vayalar in Alleppey district of Kerala. The hotel offers 60 luxurious accommodations including tastefully appointed floating cottages and houseboats, complemented with Luxury Spa services, elaborate on-site dining options, recreational and wellness facilities.

Raghu Menon takes charge as General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company L.L.C. announced the appointment of Raghu Menon as the General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore.

“Bangalore is a vibrant and exciting city and I am proud to be a part of the first Ritz-Carlton hotel in India. We will continue to take service excellence to new heights and are committed to be one of the best hotels in the world,” said Menon.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore is a 277-room, five-star luxury property, which offers exquisite restaurants, extensive meeting and flexible events space, a luxurious spa, an outdoor swimming pool and high- end retail boutique. 

Emaar forays to India

Dubai-based Emaar Hospitality is all set for an Indian foray. However, the company is not planning to buy properties in India but will enter into management contracts with owners of existing hospitality businesses. “We share very good relationship with business travelers and bollywood actors who come and stay in our properties. So we are extremely confident that we will do well in India,” said COO, Philippe Zuber.

Kochi Marriott Opens

The Marriott Group’s Kochi Marriott hotel, the second property of the international chain in Kerala, was inaugurated on Sunday. The 5 star hotel, which is located on the Lulu Mall campus, was inaugurated by Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala.

Yusuff Ali, Managing Director of Lulu Group International said that he believed in the investment potential of Kerala and was proud to associate with Marriott chain. “The opening of the hotel, will further boost the travel and tourism sector of Kerala,” he added.

With 274 guest rooms, this premier hotel offers its guests one plush presidential suite, one vice presidential suite and 25 club suites. Coupled with state-of-the-art facilities and services, these rooms provide an elevated standard of design and décor reflecting real comfort and style. “Guests can choose to use the efficiently designed executive lounge on the 21st floor for business purposes or for relaxation,” said Rajeev Menon, Area Vice President, Marriott - Indian Continent, Maldives and Australia.

The hotel has parking space for up to 200 cars and has a helipad, first in Kerala and third in India. With 750 sq m of indoor meeting and 1,000 sq m of outdoor meeting space equipped with the latest technology and amenities, the hotel provides an ideal destination for business travellers.

Home minister Ramesh Chennithala and Lulu Group Managing Director M.A. Yusuff Ali at the inauguration of Kochi Marriott Hotel in Kochi.

China’s HNA to invest $200 mn in Indian aviation sector

Chinese aviation firm HNA Group is planning to invest around $200 million in Indian aviation industry. HNA is also planning to enter travel agency business in India with an investment $50 million.

“We are looking forward to an investment of between $150 to 200 million in the Indian aviation sector only if we get a viable domestic partner,” said its president Tan Xiangdong.

With troubles hitting the Indian aviation industries and companies like Kingfisher and SpiceJet facing crisis, Xiangdong said the group is very cautious about making investments in this sector of the country.

“On the other side, we are taking note of the progress made by recently setup Vistara and Air Asia India,” he said. HNA is also planning to enter travel agency business in India with an investment $50 million. “We have huge plans for investments in India. We are planning to invest a sum of $50 million in travel agency business and is looking for some good domestic partners,” he added. He added, “We are in preliminary talks with some companies about this but nothing concrete has happened till now.” Apart from aviation and travel agency, the group is also mulling options to invest in mid-size hotel business in India. “We are planning to put our money into developing three star and four star hotels in India. We see a lot of opportunities in this segment here,” he said.

Fortune Park Hotels opens Fortune Park Moksha

Fortune Park Hotels has opened Fortune Park Moksha in McLeodGanj in Himachal Pradesh. Owned by Moksha Health Resorts, Fortune Park Moksha Moksha is the 43rd hotel in India. The hotel has 59 guest rooms spread across three blocks. These include 36 standard rooms, 20 Fortune club rooms and three suites. The hotel also offers state-of-the-art meeting and banquet facilities that can accommodate up to 175 guests.

The dining options at the hotel include Orchid – a multi-cuisine restaurant offering three-meal buffets and all day dining, Neptune, the bar, and Fortune Deli featuring light snacks and sumptuous confectionery. There is also a wellness centre with a swimming pool, Spa and a well-equipped gymnasium and champion’s zone that offers a range of recreational facilities.

Suresh Kumar, Chief Executive Officer, Fortune Park Hotels Ltd., said, “Since its inception, the Fortune Hotels chain has provided contemporary accommodation and great value for business and leisure travellers. Now amongst the largest and fastest growing in the country, the chain caters to a wide spectrum of travellers, through its various sub-brands. With the launch of this hotel, Fortune Hotels has further strengthened its position in the leisure segment.”

Radisson Blu, first 5 star hotel of Northeast India, starts operation

Radisson Blu in Guwahati, the first five star hotel of Northeast India, has started its operations. Its second hotel in Kolkata will become operational in another 2 years. This is the 9th hotel opening of CarlsonRezidor Hotel group in India in 2014. With this addition, the group has further strengthened its portfolio to 73 operational hotels in India.

"If we get suitable land we keen to start a hotel in the vicinity of Kaziranga National park in Upper Assam. Another Redisson Blu is coming in Kolkata and it will ready in another two years. We already have one hotel operating in Kolkata," said Raj Rana, Chief Executive Officer, Carlson Hotels (South Asia) Private Limited said. Rana added that across India at least 23 hotels are under various stages of consideration. Internationally the group has over 1300 hotels operating across 105 countries.

 

Raj Rana, Chief Executive Officer, Carlson Hotels

The Guwahati hotel is managed by Carlson Rezidor Hotel group, while Dharmpal Satyapal group is promoting the hotel. Dharmpal Satyapal has invested close to Rs.300 crore in the hotel; Assam government has leased 5 acres of land to the project for which it will get Rs.30 crore annually.

A couple of more star category hotels are coming up in Guwahati within an year or two. Indian Hotels Company Ltd's (IHCL) is setting up five star hotels in Khanapara in Guwahati. 

62.7% growth in VoA Scheme

 During the month of November 2014, a total of 2,968 Tourist Visa on Arrival (VoA) enabled by Electronic Travel Authorization were issued as compared to 1,824 VoAs during the month of November 2013, registering a growth of 62.7 per cent.

During January- November 2014, around 24,963 VoAs were issued as compared to 17,594 VoAs during corresponding period of 2013 registering a growth of 41.9 per cent.

The number of VoAs issued during November 2014, for nationals of the twelve countries were South Korea (837), Singapore (467), New Zealand (427), the Philippines (350), Indonesia (326), Japan (310), Finland (125), Myanmar (64), Vietnam (22), Cambodia (20), Luxembourg (18) and Laos (2).

The number of VoAs issued under the Scheme, during January- November 2014 were South Korea (5,080), Japan (4,683),New Zealand (3,690), Singapore (3,494), the Philippines (3,346), Indonesia (2,776), Finland (990), Myanmar (391), Vietnam (238), Cambodia (129), Luxembourg (126) and Laos (20).

During January- November 2014, the highest number of VoAs were issued at New Delhi airport (11,579) followed by Mumbai (4,897), Chennai (3,512), Bangalore (1,698), Kolkata (1,600), Kochi (839), Hyderabad (600) and Trivandrum (238).

Government of India has launched Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVoA) enabled by Electronic Travel Authorization on 27th November 2014 for 43 countries. Prior to it, the normal TVoA scheme used to operate for 12 countries. The following are the important highlights of VoAs issued during November, 2014.

Indian tourism to be re-launched on Dec 25

With an aim to promote safety, security and hospitality of tourists on a massive scale, Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, Mahesh Sharma, said his ministry will be re-launching Indian tourism with new agenda Dec 25.

The tourism department will take up "new measures" to ensure these three main pointers are effectively implemented to promote tourism in the country, said Sharma.

The tourism ministry has selected Dec 25 which would now be observed as "Good Governance Day" to celebrate former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's birthday as announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"These will not be mere declarations but the ministry will ensure that these three important measures are implemented effectively," Sharma said. Admitting that compared to China, foreign tourist arrival in India is mere 69 lakh, the ministry will do everything to make India a ‘safe’ and ‘secure’ place for tourists.

"We don't want our tourists to take back pictures of garbage bins or dirty places. We want them to take back good memories from India," he added. Not revealing much about the new initiatives the ministry will be taking, Sharma said it would be a "big leap towards promoting and propagating tourism".

29 Tourism projects sanctioned for North East

The Union Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned 29 projects of Tourism for the North Eastern States during the year 2014-15. These include 9 projects in Nagaland, 8 in Sikkim, 5 in Manipur, 4 in Arunachal Pradesh, 3 in Mizoram.

The Ministry of Tourism has not sanctioned any amount to the State of Tripura this year because the State has a Utilization Certificate pendency of Rs.16.63 crore under the various schemes of the Ministry of Tourism. 

Kerala’s 3rd VoA facility at Kozhikode

The Government of Kerala will soon introduce tourist visa-on-arrival (VoA) at Kozhikode, the third airport in the State to offer the facility.

Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi are among the nine where tourists from 43 destinations can get their visas enabled with electronic travel authorisation. It is currently the only State to have two international airports enabled under the scheme. Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Goa are the other airports where the service is offered.

Kerala Tourism targets 30 lakh tourist arrivals by 2021 and has been pitching the visa-on-arrival facility through promotional campaigns worldwide. “Some of our key markets such as Germany, Australia, Japan, Russia, the US and the UAE are also on the list, which will be a great boost to tourism,” said A. P. Anil Kumar, Minister for Tourism, Kerala.

India logs rise in FTAs

The number of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTA) in India from January to November 2014 has registered a positive growth over the same period of the preceding year, according to Union Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge), Dr. Mahesh Sharma. The number of FTAs and the growth registered over the previous year during 2011, 2012, 2013 and January- November, 2014 is given below:

Year	FTAs to India (in million)	Growth Rate (%)
2011	6.31	9.2
2012	6.58	4.3
2013	6.97	5.9
Jan-Nov, 2014 (P)	6.58	7.1

P: Provisional

“The steps taken to boost tourism in the country include publicity and promotion, electronic travel Authorization, restriction on gap for re-entry lifted, safety of women tourists, cleanliness and hygiene, trained language speaking guides among others,” the Minister said in Rajya Sabha.

Saudi Prince to own Leelaventure hotels?

Reports are coming out that Hotel Leelaventure is in talks with Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal to sell its Chennai, Goa and Delhi properties to raise Rs. 3,000 crore.

 The Mumbai-based hotel chain has already missed the first deadline set for it to raise the funds by JM Financial Asset ReconstructionCompany (ARC), which earlier this year acquired 97 per cent of the chain's debt from a consortium of lenders. If the promoters fail to bring in Rs. 3,000 crore capital by December-end, ARC would float a global tender for the sale of the properties

Earlier this year, it initiated talks with buyout firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co, wherein the company would mortgage its properties in Delhi and Chennai to KKR against a loan of Rs. 2,000 crore for two years at an interest rate of 18 per cent. The talks were called off as both parties and lenders couldn't agree on the terms for a deal. It has sold some properties, such as an IT park in Chennai and the Leela Resorts hotel in Kovalam, Kerala. 

Louvre to invest $100 mn in India

Louvre Hotels Group is planning to invest over $100 million (about Rs. 600 crore) in the Indian hospitality space over the next three years.

The Group was recently acquired by Jin Jiang InternationalHoldings, China's biggest hotel company, from US investment group Starwood Capital. The new owners are urging the officials to promote the brand inorganically and are open for aggressive investment plans across India.

The brand is also open to portfolio acquisitions in the country. In India, the hotel chain owns brands like Royal Tulip, Golden Tulip and Tulip Inn. The hotel chain will debut its budget brands — Campanile and Premiere Classe — next year in India. By 2017, Louvre Hotels targets 60 operational hotels in the country. Currently, the brand has more than 1,100 hotels in 47 countries.