National News

Egypt Tourism launches new logo in India

The Egyptian Tourism Authority (ETA) and the Embassy of the Arab republic of Egypt launched their new campaign and logo with Celina Jaitley as their brand Ambassador, at the Egyptian Nite event held in Mumbai last month. Samy Mahmoud, Under Secretary - Head of international Tourism stated that India was an important source market for Egypt, besides having strong political and cultural ties. He added that the cultural synergy between the two countries was the reason for them choosing to launch the new campaign in India. Adel Masry, director of the ETA in India added that the campaign would highlight the rarity and exotica of Egypt, and possibilities for marine tourism, water sports, wellness, golfing along with business tourism, MICE and honeymoon tourism.

International News

Singapore floats romance packages for the Indian market

The Singapore Tourism Board in India has tied up with Mercury Travels to promote a four night and five days Romance Package, valid till end of May 2010. The cost of Rs 60, 275 per person includes return economy class airfare, visa, Mercedes E-class airport transfers, five star accommodations, daily breakfast and certain sightseeing attractions. Experiences include dinner for two at the White Rabbit Restaurant, a pub walk on Clark Quay, a 30 min flight on the Singapore Flyer and a visit to the Singapore Zoo among other attractions. The visitors will also be provided with a Hop On, Hop Off pass that allows them to follow the heritage trial across the island.

Airline News

Jet Airways launches two new customer programmes

British Airways launched the British Airways Business Opportunity Grants across India this November, as an incentive to theJet Airways announced the launch of JetViva a special customer loyalty scheme exclusively for women frequent fliers this January, and the Boarding Card Delights programme for all fliers on Jet Airways, Jet Airways Konnect and JetLite. To be part of JetViva, women should enroll as JetPrivilege members on the website or by filling in the JetPrivilege form in flight. Members can avail of JetScape packages which include discounts on specific lifestyle products services and events. Boarding Card Delights presently has 15 partner brands in retail, hotels, dining, lifestyle and car rentals. Guests should present their boarding cards at the partner establishments - web-generated cards, SMSes and Kiosk Check-in are accepted if photo identification provided.

Hotel News

Sarovar launches properties in Gurgaon and Nashik

Sarovar Hotels and resorts launched the Optus Sarovar Premier followed by a few weeks later by the Lily Sarovar Portico in Nashik. The Gurgaon property which was launched by Sujit Banerjee, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, is Sarovar's third property. The upscale 80 room property will target international and domestic corporate travellers. It is also expected to serve the demand for business and leisure hotels in the Capital and NCR. The 42 room Nashik property, formerly the White Lily, was rechristened as the Lily Sarovar Portico, after the Sarovar took it over.

First Person

Charting the middle path

Sujit Banerjee, Secretary, Government of India, Ministry of Tourism tells us what the boom in the midmarket hotels means for the Indian hospitality industry

Airport Check

Makeover magic

Mumbai's international airport, Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA), is a prime example of how new and improved ambience can be created within existing spaces

Hotel Check

My fair rendezvous

The Mayfair Hotels and Resorts is a unique place to be. There's a temple to pray, a spa to unwind, luxurious villas to lounge and a casino to splurge and get lucky. You can feel the pulse of the wind here and only one thing which prevails over this place is peace.

Rail Check

Luxury On Wheels

The Palace on Wheel exemplifies luxury and speaks volumes about the erstwhile royalty

Airline Check

Flying into sunny skies

Swiss International Air Lines lives up to its award-winning background time and again, with a commitment to innovation and quality

International Destination

Beauty and the best

With imposing cliffs and national parks, Germany as always is enchanting with its nature and wildlife…

National Destination

The jungle trail

If statistics of the Indian Metrological Department are to be believed, the year 2009 has been the warmest year since 1901. This should be enough to set alarm bells ringing, and heighten our efforts to preserve our wildlife. Here's an in-depth story on India's wildlife reserves

Leisure Destination

The Jurassic park

In the movie 'Curse of Komodo', the director, Jim Wynorski portrays a Komodo lizard as human scavenger, but in reality dragons at the Komodo Park, Indonesia are harmless carnivores, at least for humans

Luxury Destination

Song of South Asia

Already established as a great Asian destination for cuisine, Singapore is fast gaining reputation as a wildlife destination

Weekend Retreat

Path of feathers

If you need a quiet weekend gateway amid nature and are fascinated by birds, make it a point to visit the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Holiday Hub

Spiritual connection

A heady combination of heritage, spirituality, fun, shopping and gastronomy…A place truly relaxed, peaceful, without any pretences... The sole French connection Churches, temples and beaches, Puducherry has everything which will make your stay a memorable event…

Trade Buzz

Good times are back

Small and medium travel agents are in a mood for celebration after winning the 'zero commission' standoff with DGCA

Jeep Safari

Roller coaster ride

Driving through tall grasses and meandering mountain roads... Jeep safari is not about destinations. The journey is the destination itself

Event

An evening for wellness

The prestigious Pevonia asiaSpa India Awards 2009 concluded recently with much glitz and glamour. From tinsel town glitterati to who's who of the spa industry, ace entertainers and fashion designers congregated at the event

Industry Buzz

Trophy for excellence

The National Tourism Award 2008-2009 was an occasion where Indian tourism and hospitality showcased its true excellence

The retreat chain

The TTF and OTM started its 20th anniversary celebrations on a good note, with a robust response in Mumbai and New Delhi this February

Advertorial

Southern Hospitality

The Pride hotel, Chennai, is a perfect stopover for business or leisure travellers visiting South India

Two decades of success

India's largest privately owned hotel company, the Lalit Suri Hospitality Group has redefined hospitality in terms of luxury and perfection in all its 17 properties across India