>> December 2009    >> Newsletter Archive  

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In this Edition.....

• Special Feature of the month - Chennai Music Festival : December 16, 2009 to January 01, 2010

• Where you can find us next - FITUR 2010, SATTE 2010

• Festival Alert - Christmas and New Year

• Guest Comment of the Month - Find out what our clients have to say about us in this section

• Destination News - Visa rules for US tourists to change, Visa-on-arrival for tourists from 5 nations, 7.9 reasons to smile, GDP bounces back, Sri Lanka tourism back on track, Annapurna Circuit sees more trekkers.....all this and more in Destination news

• Hotel News - The Westin Mumbai Garden City - opening December 15, 2009, Hotel Royal Orchid Central, Ahmedabad opens, Courtyard by Marriott Gurgaon opening in December 2009, Introducing AER, Mumbai's highest Rooftop Bar - 34th floor lounge to open on top of Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, Maldives hotels win awards at the World Travel Mart......all this and more update on hotels

• Aviation News - IndiGo adds new flights, Kingfisher Airlines launches Chennai - Salem Flights, Nepal plans to connect Pokhara with Indian cities through direct air connectivity, China Airlines shifts stop over from Bangkok to Delhi for flights to Rome........and more

• Indian Recipe of the month - Seb ka Meetha (Sweet Apple)

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Special Feature of the month......

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Where you can find us next.....

To meet us at FITUR, Madrid, click here and email us your details

To meet us at SATTE, New Delhi, click here and email us your details

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Festival Alert.....

Christmas
Christmas the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ, is celebrated with great fervor all over India by the Christians. People decorate their houses, erect Christmas trees, make cribs with figures of baby Jesus, Mother Mary, Joseph, the three kings who come to visit the baby and shepherd boys and their herds grazing around depicting the scenes of Jesus's Birth in the Bible. They decorate the Christmas tree, hang stars, gifts and illuminate them. On Christmas day, people enjoy a sumptuous Christmas lunch. Christmas cakes and wine are served to visitors and exchanged as gifts among friends and relatives. All the major Indian cities wear a festive look. Shops and bazaars are decorated for the occasion and offer attractive bargains.

Creative Travel will be closed on 25th December 2009 and 1st January, 2010 for New Year.

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Guest Comment of the Month.....

We at Creative track guest 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. This is one of them :

Tuesday, December 8, 2009
From - Frank Macaluso
To - Rajeev Kohli

Dear Rajeev,

As this was my second trip to Nepal I can now officially conclude that a trip to Nepal is never boring or uneventful - and that has to do nothing with the social programme. I think what potential clients need to understand about Nepal is that it is not a luxury destination and that there is always the potential for a mishap or a change of plan. Its uniqueness however is unrivalled and offers our participants that "difference" which we all search for. Click here to read more.....

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Destination News.....

Visa rules for US tourists to change
Visa regulations for American tourists wishing to visit may soon change. Under the new rule, US citizens will have to take a 60-day break between each exit from India and re-entry. Click here to read more....
 

Visa-on-arrival for tourists from 5 nations
India on Wednesday said it will offer visa-on-arrival facility to the citizens of five countries, namely Singapore, Finland, New Zealand, Luxemburg and Japan on a pilot basis for a period of one year. Click here to read more....
 

Turtuk in Ladakh now open to foreign tourists
Want to go where no foreigner has gone before? Visit Turtuk, in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh. In a move to boost tourism, the Indian government has relaxed the Protected Area Permit Regime to allow foreign tourists to travel to Turtuk. This area was previously off limits to foreigners, who can now visit there in twos. The border village of Turtuk, which forms part of the famed Silk Route, has an interesting history. A large number of foreign tourists are already visiting the Nubra Valley for Bactrain camel safaris, and the hot sulphur springs of Paramik. Now tourists will be able to travel along the banks of Pangong Lake, which lies on the India-China border, right up to the villages of Man and Merak. Further routes may also be opened once sufficient tourist infrastructure is developed.

Mysore surpasses 1.5 million tourist target set for 2010
Mysore, the city of palaces has become the favourite ‘tourist destination’ in South India and has surpassed 1.5 million tourist target set for 2010. Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) sources said that with overwhelming response the authorities have set a new target of five million visitors by 2020. Though the target was 1.5 million by 2010, the city was inching towards the three million mark way ahead of the deadline.

Andaman and Nicobar Island government to soon launch ‘Sea Plane’ for tourist
The Andaman and Nicobar Island government will soon launch the first ‘Sea Plane’ for tourists visiting the Island. With this new facility tourists can take a sortie by an aircraft to view the exotic location of the Island. The ‘Sea Plane’ will be purchased and deployed on an experimental basis in two months time. Two firms based in Dubai and Mumbai have been short listed for supplying the plane, which will be hired on ‘wet lease’ for six months. Seeking to market Andaman as an attractive tourist destination, the government is aggressively promoting Scuba Diving, for which it has abundant potential.

Experts to study feasibility of whale shark eco-tourism in Gujarat
If everything falls in place, Gujarat coast may emerge as a tourist spot for watching whale sharks. Foreign experts have taken up a research project to study feasibility of developing whale shark eco-tourism in the state. The research programme is being undertaken under "Whale Shark Conservation Campaign" jointly carried out by Tata Chemicals Ltd, Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and the forest department of Gujarat. A five member team of experts from Australia and US have already started working on the study. Australia and Philippines have developed tourism based on whale sharks. Around 60 per cent of the whale sharks visiting Gujarat coast are female sharks and Gujarat could be one of the important breeding hub.

Sri Lanka tourism back on track
A country partially paralyzed for over three decades, most of its beauty covered by the ills of terrorism is now back on track and is fast gaining pace as a winning destination. Arrivals have consistently recorded increases from the previous year’s figures, with the growth level in September this year being at 28.6 per cent: the figure 37,837, a sharp rise of over nine thousand over the same month in 2008.The total number of arrivals up to October this year is 346,717.

Annapurna Circuit sees more trekkers
The number of trekkers visiting the world-famous Annapurna Circuit has increased by around 25 per cent this autumn as compared to the same period last year. With the considerable increase in the number of trekkers, the hotels in Myagdi and Mustang regions are now full of tourists. According to the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), about 25,740 tourists visited the region as of October-end this year as against 18,462 in the same period of 2008. The tourists are visiting the region for adventure and pilgrimage purposes. The trekking along the circuit starts from Naya Pul of Kaski and traverses along Birethanti, Ghandruk, Ghorepani, Shikh, Gharkhola, Tatopani, Dana and reaches Pun Hill. It further moves ahead to Pahiro Thapla, Lete, Kowang, Tukuche, Marpha, Jomsom, Muktinath, Thorang Pass and moves into Manang. From Manang, trekkers travel through Khangsar to Pisang, Dharapani, Chamje in Lamjung and ends at Besisahar of Lamjung. In the past, trekking through the circuit used to take 22 days. With the start of vehicular services, the number of trekking days along the route has dropped to 12 days. Apart from trekking, the region is also popular for its rich bio-diversity. So, a lot of researchers also visit this area.

Maldives

World’s first ever underwater cabinet meeting concludes in the Maldives
World’s first ever underwater cabinet meeting just concluded in the Maldives. The cabinet meeting was chaired by President Mohamed Nasheed. In the meeting, the President, Vice President, and the cabinet signed a declaration calling for concerted global action on climate change, ahead of the UN climate conference in Copenhagen. The underwater meeting was part of a wider campaign by international environmental NGO 350.org.

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Hotel News.....

The Lalit Resort and Spa Bekal, Kerala opens doors to guests
The Lalit Resort & Spa Bekal is the first Luxury Five Star Deluxe Resort & Spa to be set up in ‘Bekal’ the new tourist destination of Kerala. This top of the line resort and spa is built over 26 acres of lush green land surrounded by river ‘Nombili’ on three sides in the lap of the Arabian Sea. A pristine white sandy beach and an internal lagoon meandering through the property make it a heaven in ‘Gods Own Country’. The resort has 13 Lalit Deluxe Rooms, 17 Lalit Luxury Rooms, 7 Lalit Spa Rooms, 2 Presidential Suites and 5 Kettuvalloms (floating cottages). All rooms are equipped with Jacuzzi for two and spacious bathrooms with rain showers and all rooms are provided with personalized Butler service. The Resort houses - Rejuve The Spa. A tranquil and serene environment spread over an area of 20000 Sq.ft, Rejuve The Spa at The Lalit Resort & Spa Bekal offers traditional Ayurveda and International experiences.

The Westin Mumbai Garden City - opening December 15, 2009
Located on the Western Express Highway, The Westin Garden City Mumbai is in close proximity to the Mumbai International Airport and the Domestic Airport. The hotel offers 269 spacious guest rooms and suites with the Westin’s signature Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Bath, as well as High Speed Internet Access, quality furnishings, and city views. The dining options include Kangan (serving Indian cuisine), Prego (offering Italian cuisine), Eighteen the Lounge (serving snacks), Splash (poolside bar & restaurant) and Seasonal Tastes (all day dining restaurant serving modern Asian and International cuisine with show kitchens). Restore mind and body with a visit to the full-service Westin Heavenly Spa, energise at the WestinWORKOUT Gym or refresh with a dip in the pool. The hotel also offers a full service business centre, nine meetings rooms, and over 900 square meters of meetings and function space.

Hotel Royal Orchid Central, Ahmedabad opens
Located in the heart of the city and business hub of Ahmedabad, Royal Orchid Central is located 13 km away from the airport, 6 km from the railway station and 5 km from the bus station. The hotel offers 104 well-appointed guest room, equipped with most modern amenities. Pinxx is the lively 24x7 new-age Coffee Shop serving delightful quick bites and beverages in a warm, cosy and casual ambience. From an exclusive private party for 10 guests to a seminar for 150 guests, Royal Orchid Central offers the finest in space, décor, and facilities.

Courtyard by Marriott Gurgaon opening in December 2009
Courtyard by Marriott Gurgaon is strategically located in Gurgaon, 20 minutes drive from the International and Domestic Airports. The hotel offers 192 spacious well appointed rooms and 06 luxury suites. The facilities in the rooms include Flat Screen LCD Televisions featuring international channels, Iron and Iron Boards, Tea Coffee Makers, In room safety vaults and High Speed internet access. The Courtyard brings to you the experience of a contemporary international restaurant MoMo Café, unwind at BarZen and enjoy a pan Asian experience at Red Zen. The other facilities at the hotel include a swimming pool and a spa.

Introducing AER, Mumbai's highest Rooftop Bar - 34th floor lounge to open on top of Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai
From this December, a fresh addition to Mumbai’s social scene will keep a small crowd sweet with sunset cocktails, midnight mezzes and chilled-out beats into the early hours... But what really sets this oasis of chic relaxation apart is its mind-blowing, open-air location: 34 floors above the bustling streets of Worli. Covering the entire rooftop of Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, Aer’s panoramic city and sea views and endless ceiling of sky and stars creates an atmosphere that redefines the notion of freedom. This sense of space is complimented by the avant garde design that is both contemporary and minimalist in its exuberant aesthetic. The high-energy lounge will be kept abuzz by a house DJ, playing nightly sets of modern Indian lounge. Professionally-trained barmen keep the vibe going at the bar, mixing exclusive - and even personalised – blends of fresh fruit and champagne cocktails alongside an eclectic menu of wines and champagnes by the glass. Dining is equally inspiring, with the emphasis on ‘sharing plates’: innovative selection of hot and cold Lebanese & Middle Eastern dips, Mediterranean tapas and international favourites. 

Premier Inn launches its first property in Bengaluru, Whitefield
Premier Inn, UK's biggest hotel chain, has launched their first hotel in India in Bengaluru, Whitefield. Premier Inn Bengaluru will cater for its guests with 105 rooms, a multi cuisine restaurant, bar, gymnasium and a conference room. Premier Inn is a multi-award winning hotel chain, offering good quality rooms, comfortable surroundings and friendly service, all backed by the company's 'Good Night Guarantee' - a good night's sleep or your money back. Key features in the room include en suite bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities, a desk area with complementary internet access and a remote control TV, showing satellite channels. All rooms also feature a Hypnos bed; Hypnos has a reputation for making the most comfortable beds in the world.

Citrus Hotels debuts in Pune
Citrus Pimpri, Pune located on the edge of the Mumbai-Pune Highway, offers 143 guest rooms and long-stay apartments. The guest room facilities include Electronic Safe, Mini-bar, IDD telephone, Tea/Coffee maker, Satellite TV, Private patio for deluxe rooms and in room kitchenette for Serviced Apartments. The hotel also has conference and banqueting facilities for over 500 people. The dining options at Citrus Pimpri an all day dining coffee shop, Oriental Restaurant serving delicacies of the Far East, Lounge serving snacks, Deli café takeaway and the Maxi bar. Facilities at the hotel include a gym, swimming pool, lounge, business centre, health club and spa.

Country Inn & Suites by Carlson, Gurgaon opens
Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Gurgaon is centrally located in the business and leisure district of the National Capital Region of South Delhi, 10 Kilometers from the Airport. The hotel offers 44 guest rooms including 14 suites. All guest rooms are sleek, stylish and spacious with hi speed internet connectivity and all contemporary amenities. The other facilities include a compact well equipped fitness center next to the swimming pool at the rooftop, a banquet hall and 2 Board Rooms. The dining options include Mosaic- a multi-cuisine restaurant and a bar lounge serving variety of snacks and beverages.

The Gateway Hotel now in Jodhpur
The Gateway Hotels has launched The Gateway Hotel Jodhpur, its third property in the state of Rajasthan. Sprawling over 15 acres of verdant land, the hotel is located 12 kms from the Jodhpur airport and 8 kms from the railway station. The Gateway Hotel Jodhpur has over 88 aesthetically designed rooms, a palace styled courtyard and beautiful landscaped gardens. The hotel also offers an eclectic dining experience in its restaurant. The restaurant cum café, Sir Pratap offers Indian and Continental delicacies and lazy cappuccinos. Frontier, the al fresco restaurant, serves delicious North–West Frontier cuisine in a scenic setting. An interesting game of chess coupled with a great list of wine and cocktails at the Dune Bar promises to make your evening a memorable one. The hotel was called The Ummeid, Jodhpur before it migrated. The hotel offers a host of amenities including a 24-hour business centre, Wi-Fi internet throughout the hotel and international direct dialing facility. Jharokha, the conference room, is spread over a 2000 sq ft space and accommodates up to 80 people theatre style and 120 in an informal setting. There are two board rooms that can seat 20 and 15 people respectively. The lawns alongside the poolside make a perfect venue for theme evenings and can accommodate up to 10000 guests.

Hotel Sahara Star Mumbai joins WORLDHOTELS
Hotel Sahara Star Mumbai has joined WORLDHOTELS as a Deluxe Collection affiliate. The 5-star hotel is strategically located just opposite Mumbai's domestic airport. With a striking glass and steel circular facade, Hotel Sahara Star currently features 223 guest rooms which include 13 suites. With the opening of the Magnum Opus stage in two years, it will incorporate another 189 luxurious guest rooms in five categories, including 19 suites of various themes, and 48 fully-serviced apartments. Magnus Opus, opening in two years, will have one of the world's largest pillar-less clear-to-sky domes and the world's first three compound-curved, all glass panoramic elevators rising over a 55,000 sq ft tropical lagoon. Ten unique concept dining outlets include the famous Ocean Pan-Asian restaurant; the Earth Plate, serving global cuisine; Indian signature restaurant Namak; Mediterranean restaurant Mabruk; and Aafrein, specialising in kebabs. For high-class entertaining there is also a Flute – a champagne lounge and Diwine, a wine cellar. Hotel Sahara Star features 12,000 sq ft of MICE space for events, conferences and seminars. Recreational facilities are headlined by iLA, Sahara Spa and Wellness Centre, complete with an international salon, plus a state-of-the-art gym and spectacular pool.

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa heralds a New Era of Sustainable Luxury in The Maldives
Luxury with a conscience is not usually what springs to mind when it comes to running a five star luxury property in the Maldives. Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, however has risen to the challenge to protect the natural tropical flora and fauna and surrounding blue waters of Emboodhu Finolhu island. Taj Exotica has applied a range of initiatives to reduce its carbon foot print, whilst ensuring that guests continue to experience a high level of comfort, luxury accommodation, culinary offerings, spa and recreational facilities, as well impeccable service. Taj Exotica has meticulously analysed the maintenance of energy efficiency, water management, air quality and handling of noxious substances across the resort. The property is one of very few in the Maldives to have installed a unique hot water system, which instead of using electric geysers, uses three DG sets (Diesel Generator Cooking Paths) to assist in heat recovery and reduce diesel output. In the area of water consumption, the property has activated a rain water harvesting system with the yearly collection of 896000 liters. Taj Exotica boasts a bottling plant on site. The ‘Classic Crystal’ tropical bottling system, produces both sparkling and still water and reuses glass bottles, thus saving on the usage of tens of thousands of plastic bottles each year. It should also be noted that the trees and plants, including Jade Tree, Sea Hibiscus and Malikuruva rose, located on Emboodhu Finolhu island, are endemic species and do not require any additional watering. This saves the resort an extra requirement of 10,000 liters of water per day.

Maldives hotels win awards at the World Travel Mart
At the World Travel Awards held on 8 November 2009 in London, Maldives Hotels won a number of awards in the Indian Ocean category. These include:

• Indian Ocean’s Leading Family Resort - Soneva Fushi Resort & Spa, Maldives

• Indian Ocean’s Leading Green Resort - Banyan Tree Maldives at Vibbinfaru

• Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel- Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

• Indian Ocean’s Leading Hotel Brand- Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts

•  Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Resort- Huvafen Fushi Maldives

• Indian Ocean’s Leading Resort - Huvafen Fushi Maldives

• Indian Ocean’s Leading Spa Resort- Soneva Fushi Resort & Spa, Maldives

• Indian Ocean’s Leading Villa Hideaway Palace, Island Hideaway at Dhonakulhi Spa Resort & Marina

• Indian Ocean’s Leading Water Villa Group Adaaran Prestige Resorts

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Aviation News......

Domestic

GoAir launches daily direct flights from Mumbai / Indore
Click here for the flight schedule....

IndiGo flies direct to Mumbai / Jaipur / Mumbai twice daily
Click here for the flight schedule....

IndiGo adds new flights
Click here for the flight schedule....
 

International

Kingfisher Airlines launches Chennai - Salem Flights
India's Kingfisher Airlines has launched daily direct flights between Chennai and Salem. The flights are being operated using ATR aircraft. The flights are conveniently timed with flight, IT 4737 departing from Chennai at 14:50 and arriving in Salem at 15:50. The return flight, IT 4738 takes off from Salem at 16:20 and reaches Chennai at 17.20.

Jet Airways receives The Best Long Haul Carrier ex-Brussels award at the TM Travel Awards 2009
Jet Airways was awarded the title of “Best Long Haul Airline from Brussels” at the recently held TM Travel Awards 2009 ceremony at Antwerp. Nearly 800 leading Belgian travel agents participated in the voting ceremony to elect a winner in each category. Jet Airways, who recently celebrated its second successful year of operations at the Brussels hub, won the prize for the best long haul airline from Brussels. The Runner ups were Brussels Airlines and Etihad Airways. Amongst its various customer-friendly services, Jet Airways offers a warm welcome by friendly, multilingual staff. A unique lounge for Première and First Class passengers, ranked amongst the top 50 best lounges worldwide by the readers of Business Travellers Magazine (UK). The only 180° flat bed available in business class from Brussels on its online destinations and exceptional in-flight services in all classes.

China Airlines shifts stop over from Bangkok to Delhi for flights to Rome
China Airlines has shifted its stop over from Bangkok to Delhi for flights to Rome, saving almost one hour of travel time. As per the company release, this stopover makes China Airlines the first airline to operate a direct flight between Delhi and Rome. China Airlines will operate three round-trip flights each week from Taoyuan International Airport to Delhi and Rome. A specially retrofitted A330-300 will be used on the new route, with a two-class configuration that offers passengers comfort on the long-haul flight. Click here for the flight schedule....

Nepal Airlines signs MoU for Airbus A320 and A330
Nepal’s national carrier, Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has signed a MoU with Airbus to modernise its international fleet with one A330-200 wide-body and one Airbus A320 single aisle aircraft. The new Airbus aircraft will be deployed on international services to Japan and will for the very first time connect Nepal to Europe with direct flights. The two class, A330-200 will be deployed on routes to Europe and North Asia and will play an instrumental role in developing Nepal’s tourism industry especially around to country’s ‘Visit Nepal 2011’ tourism campaign to attract foreign tourists. The dual class A320, will be deployed on regional routes and operate as far as the Middle East as well as in South East Asia.

Nepal plans to connect Pokhara with Indian cities through direct air connectivity
Nepal is planning to connect one of its major tourist destinations, Pokhara through air with Indian cities. Shradha Shrestha, Senior Official, Nepal Tourism Board, Pokhara said, “There have been talks about establishing direct air connectivity between Pokhara and some cities like Lucknow, Kolkata, Patna and Varanasi. As of now, Lucknow has been almost confirmed.”

Oman Air restarts service to Colombo
Oman Air first commenced operations in Sri Lanka in 1991 and decided to stop operations to Colombo in 2003 quoting the low yield, generated from this market. The carrier will initially operate four flights per week. Click here for the flight schedule....

Etihad Airways to Resume Flights to Sri Lanka
Etihad Airways is to resume flights to Colombo starting January 2010. The airline will operate four flights per week. The resumption of flights follows the recent end to the civil conflict in Sri Lanka and the boost that this is likely to provide to the tourism sector. Click here for the flight schedule....

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Indian Recipe of the month......

Seb ka Meetha (Sweet Apple)

Click here to read this recipe which is particularly good for growing kids
 

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Newsletters Archive.....

November 2009, October 2009, September 2009, August 2009, July 2009, May 2009, April 2009, March 2009, February 2009, January09, December 08, November 2008, October 2008, September 2008, August 2008, July 2008, June 2008, May 2008, April 2008, March 2008, February 2008, January 2008, November 2007, October 2007, August 2007, July 2007, June 2007, May 2007, 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 Us......

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 New Delhi but from within India)

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Our Sales teams.....

You may contact us or any of our regional sales team nearest to you.

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