>> October 2008    >> Newsletter Archive  

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In this Edition.....

• Where you can find us next - WTM 2008. We will also be at.......EIBTM 2008, ILTM 2008

• Festival Alert - Diwali

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

• Destination News - Travel firms fear winter chill, see 25% biz drop in Jan-April, India recently introduced a nationwide ban on smoking in public spaces, India, a hot destination for World Inc's board meets, Mohabbat The Taj, Kalpitiya the next 'Hot Spot' in Asia.......all this and more Destination news

• Hotel News - Kaya Kalp - The Royal Spa at ITC Mughal, Agra awarded the Tatler Award, 2008, Positive outlook for India hotels, says Jones Lang report, The Gateway Hotel....A New Concept....A New Experience....A New Brand, Taj Exotica adds pools and extended decks to each of the Deluxe Lagoon Villas.....all this and more update on hotels

• Aviation News - SpiceJet ranked among Top 10 Budget Airlines in Asia, Jet, Kingfisher Airlines form strategic alliance, British Airways to launch Hyderabad-London direct flight in December......and more

• Indian Recipe of the month - Fish Cutlets

• Special Feature of the month - Taj Grand Palaces

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Where you can find us next.....

To meet us at WTM, London, click here and email us your details   

We will also be at:

• EIBTM in Barcelona - December 2 - 4, 2008

• ILTM in Cannes - December 8 - 11, 2008

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Festival Alert.....

Diwali, 28th October (Tuesday)
Diwali, or Deepavali, perhaps the best-known Hindu festival, marks the end of the season that opens with Dussehra. Diwali is celebrated throughout India. Diwali is called the "festival of lights", and the name itself means an array of lamps (Deep - Lamp, Vali - Array). Indeed, illumination is characteristic of Diwali. The array of lamps are symbolic of welcoming Lord Rama back to Ayodhya after his 14 years of exile, and the common practice is to light small oil lamps, diyas, and place them around the house. If there is one occasion that is full of joy and jubilation for all, it is Diwali. Creative Travel will remain closed on 28th October 2008.

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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. These are some of them :

Tuesday, August 25, 2008

From - Vincent K. Fabella

To - Creative Travel

Dear Mr. Kohli,

We just arrived from our 10-day trip to Delhi and Leh. It was a fantastic experience, and we want to thank Creative for this. Click here to read more....

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Destination News.....

India, a hot destination for World Inc's board meets
India seems to have turned into the favourite boardroom of global majors. Whether it’s Swiss foods firm Nestle S A, soft drink giant PepsiCo or the world’s biggest steel company Arcelor Mittal - India has emerged as the destination of choice for each of these giants as a venue for their board meets or executive committee meetings. Interestingly enough, September has become the month of high-powered meetings in the country-a clear indication of India’s growing importance on the world map. Click here to read more....

Mumbai's luxury 'Victoria' to rule Old Delhi streets
Ready for a late night safari on horse-drawn luxury carriages through the streets of old Delhi?? Tourists visiting the capital as well as the city-dwellers looking for a leisurely joyride may get the opportunity if the civic authorities have their way. Click here to read more....

Mumbai to Pune in 80mins?
Inspired by China's plans to develop the world's fastest bullet train, the Indian Railways have taken the first step to construct high-speed corridors on the Pune - Mumbai - Ahmedabad route for bullet trains running at speeds between 300 to 350 km per hour. Click here to read more....

Mohabbat The Taj
A large model of Taj Mahal has been presented in an artistic manner on a lotus shaped platform for a stage show in Agra to attract tourists. 'Mohabbat: The Taj' a glitzy stage show has opened to the public at Agra's Kalakriti Cultural and Convention Centre.  Click here to read more....

New Delhi Railway Station undergoes a makeover
The New Delhi railway station has undergone a major makeover and has set a new world record of having the largest and the most complex signaling system among train stations all over the world. The new signal system can seamlessly handle 1,278 routes within the station network without causing disruptions, stoppages or bottlenecks. This record was earlier held by Old Delhi station, with a capacity to handle 1122 routes, as per the Guinness Book of World Records. The railways have installed at the New Delhi Station 2.7 million meters of wires for this purpose again the longest ever for this kind of project for faster operation of trains, less delays and safer travel.

Kalpitiya the next 'Hot Spot' in Asia
Investors from India, Italy and UK have expressed keenness in developing the sparsely inhabited coastal bay village of Kalpitiya sand its surrounding islands in to a niche tourist destination. Sri Lanka Tourism envisages that the Kalpitiya bay will be developed on strictly environmentally friendly and ecologically sound guidelines. The proposed Kalpitiya Integrated Tourism Resort Development Project (KITRDP) under the stewardship of former Ambassador Bernard Goonetilleke, is expected to take off with an investment in the range of Rs. 400 billion. KITRDP involves the development of 4,000 acres in Kalpitiya which also include 514 small islands. The aim of the project is to convert the area in to an up market luxury resort with theme parks, cable cars, golf courses, and around 4,000 luxury villas. Also to include conference facilities and other high end visitor attractions to make these sparsely inhabited islands in to a much sought after stand alone tourist destination.

Nepal gets a new 'Kumari' The Living Goddess
Three-year-old Matina Shakya, is the new Kumari or Living Goddess. She was formally installed at a religious function at Kumari House in centre of Kathmandu. The new Kumari has been open for offering prayers for the general public after ritual performance of installation at Basantapur Durbar in the capital. Preeti Shakya, 12, the previous Kumari retired as she reaches the age of puberty paving way for Virgin Goddess Kumari. The new Kumari was taken to Hanumandhoka Old Palace for ritual performances by priests before her installation. She was carried on shoulders by the priests amidst dozens of media persons and television crew with hundreds of onlookers waiting for her glimpse. The Nepalese President Dr Ram Baran Yadav received Tika or vermilion powder mixed with curd and rice on his forehead from Kumari for formal recognition of the new Kumari.

First Everest Sky Dive 2008 concludes setting new records
The first Everest Sky Dive 2008 concluded setting new records as part of the extreme adventure of the year. Maya Gurung and Nima Tamang from Nepal became the first Nepalese to dive from Everest while Holly Budge and Neil Jones from UK and Wendy Smith, world champion who has the experience of diving 17,700 times, from New Zealand were the first solo jumpers from the height of 29,500ft. Per Thanning Wimmer, from Denmark along with tandem master Ralph Mitchell, UK was the first person to make tandem dive as a passenger from the height. The event that took place October 3-11 was jointly organized by Explore Himalaya Travel and Adventure (EHTA), Nepal and High and Wild, UK.

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Hotel News.....

Kaya Kalp - The Royal Spa at ITC Mughal, Agra awarded the Tatler Award, 2008
Kaya Kalp – The Royal Spa was judged the winner of Tatler’s Best City Spa Award, under the category of City Slickers, beating 8 other very famous hotels - luminaries such as The Peninsula in Singapore, Rome’s Hotel de Russie, Four Seasons - George V at Paris, Shanghai’s Hyatt on the Bund, New York’s Mandarin Oriental, The Lyall in Melbourne, the Ritz Carlton at Santiago and Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt at Buenos Aires. Kaya Kalp – The Royal Spa, launched as recently as May 2008, is the only award winner from India and finds a place, in the prestigious Tatler Spa Guide for 2008 - featuring 101 of the best spas of the world.

Positive outlook for India hotels, says Jones Lang report
The long-term outlook for India's hotel industry remains upbeat as the country's tourism industry experiences unprecedented growth, according to the latest Indian hotel market outlook report, India Digest 2008, by Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels, the region's market leader in hotel investment and advisory services. Over the last five years, India has seen double-digit growth in foreign visitors to a 10-year high of five million arrivals in 2007. Foreign exchange earnings for the same year soared in tandem to INR480 billion (USD12 billion), a year-on-year increase of 34%. The strong performance of the corporate sector and the growth in the economy has led to an unprecedented surge in business travel. "While the Indian economy has been affected by the current challenges faced by the global economy, the impact is expected to be short term," said Mr Sudeep Jain, Executive Vice President India, Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels. Aggressive growth in revenue per available room (RevPAR) has been recorded in the three key cities of Delhi/NCR, Mumbai and Bangalore over the past five financial years. “We expect that continued economic growth, increased interest in the Indian markets and improved international access, combined with the modernisation of major airports, will boost inbound travel in India," adds Mr Jain.

Shiv Niwas Palace gets ‘Heritage Grand’ status
Hotel and Restaurant Approval and Classification Committee (HRACC), under the Ministry of Tourism, has re-classified and elevated HRH Group’s flagship property, Shiv Niwas Palace at Udaipur into ‘Heritage Grand’ hotel. Situated at the Southern end of the City Palace complex, Shiv Niwas Palace was originally the palace of late Maharana Fateh Singhji. The Heritage Grand hotel has three imperial suites, six royal suites, eight terrace suites, and 19 palace rooms.

The Gateway Hotel : A New Concept. A New Experience. A New Brand
Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces have launched a new brand - The Gateway Hotel - for the upscale segment in India. This brand will cater to the emerging needs of the contemporary traveller. The brand has been launched with 16 operating hotels and 10 hotels under construction. The brand will deliver the high standards of quality, trust and assurance expected from the Taj. The Gateway brand will have an independent website – www.thegatewayhotels.com. However the Taj and Gateway websites will be linked where appropriate. Click here for a list of the Gateway Hotels.

Hotel Novotel Hyderabad Airport launches
Hotel Novotel Hyderabad Airport is launched at the new international airport, Novotel Hyderabad Airport is just 30 minutes from the city centre and 30 km from Hi Tech City, the Hyderabad Convention Centre, Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills. Featuring 305 rooms and suites with WiFi, business travelers can also enjoy the facilities of the Premier executive floor, along with the convenience of two restaurants, two bars, a pool and meeting rooms for up to 400 guests. The Novotel Hyderabad Airport also offers a spa and a 24 hour fitness centre.

Taj Residency, Trivandrum opens
Centrally located in the heart of the capital city of Kerala, Taj Residency, Trivandrum is 10 kms from the Airport and 1.5 kms from the Railway Station. Contemporary & internationally styled interiors, infused with local decorative elements and modern Indian art define the interiors at the Taj Residency. The Overall design concept of the 137 rooms including suites at Taj Residency Trivandrum is Contemporary, Modern European with Indian Accents. The rooms open up to a Panoramic City View on one side and a Stunning Pool View on the other. High-end electronics for internet access, 36” LCD televisions, distinctive custom lighting and outstanding storage facilities boost the room features. From casual, all-day eateries to formal, fine dining, guests can look forward to a wide selection of delectable dishes and refreshing drinks. The Fifth Element serves International classics and ethnic, Twist serves Exotic cocktails, a wide selection of wines and spirits, finger-licking snacks and The Deli boasts of exotic offerings like sinful chocolate products, gateaux, international breads, homemade cold meats and a unique cold stone gelato extravaganza.

Marriott International unveils Service Apartments in Powai
To provide its guest with the feeling of home away from home, Marriott International recently introduced Lakeside Chalet Marriott Executive Apartments in Powai, Mumbai. The 117 stylishly appointed residences provide a retreat from the bustling city life and are a combination of home style living teamed with luxury hotel services. Set on 15 lush acres by the Renaissance Mumbai Hotel & Convention Center, these luxury serviced apartments in Mumbai, balance the comforts of home with the amenities and attentive service of a 5-star hotel. Each stunning residence features a fully equipped kitchen, plush new bedding, and entertainment centre. For a brisk workout or lavish spa treatment, a visit to Club Renaissance will satisfy. And for delectable dining, there's a fine choice of restaurants, including the exotic Asian cuisine of Emperor's Court and the vibrant Indian fare of Nawab Saheb. The Lakeside Chalet, Mumbai - Marriott Executive Apartments also offers a delightful 24-hour bistro and a trendy, candle-lit nightclub.

Fort Khejarla
Fort Khejarla is located in Khejrala at a distance of 80 kms from Jodhpur. It is spread across 14 acres of land atop granite boulder hillocks. It was built in 1611 A.D. This ancient fort was converted into a heritage hotel by the present family, who still lives on the premises. Each of the 42 spacious rooms and suites some with a balcony or patio are exclusive and are decorated in the warm colours and textures of local Rajasthani hand block print textiles and adorned with traditional artifacts. All Rooms & Suites have Mini Bars, Tea/Coffeemakers, Heaters/ Air Conditioner and Safe. A beautifully restored old part of the fort is being converted into an exclusive Spa.

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Aviation News......

Domestic

SpiceJet ranked among Top 10 Budget Airlines in Asia
SpiceJet, India's low cost airline has been ranked amongst the top 10 budget airlines in Asia by Smart Travel Asia magazine based on a surveyed commissioned "Best in Travel Poll" on the low-cost carriers. Through this survey, Smart Travel Asia has recognized the leading "aspirational" brands that offer useful, indicators of business and leisure travel preferences at the upper end of the market. SpiceJet has clearly made its mark with an ability to deliver reliable schedules, competent service, also extensive route network and access. Smart Travel Asia is the one of the leading online travel magazines in Asia. SmartTravelAsia.com 2008 "Best in Travel Poll" is all about a distillation of the readers' perceptions and favourite travel brands. The survey has run for three key months May-July 2008 and the voting is based on substantial hands-on travel experience, word-of-mouth at dinnertime chats, as well as an idea of the brand drawn from advertising and editorial exposure in the media, a great deal of this online. Recently SpiceJet has also won "CIO 100 award" from CIO magazine for its technological innovations in aviation industry. Its technology platform allows for safe transaction of business and is a core support function of all the key processes of the company

Jet, Kingfisher Airlines form strategic alliance
In the first of its kind in the Indian aviation industry Jet airways and Kingfisher airlines have entered into a strategic alliance to fight back the financial crisis being faced by the global economy. In the current situation the airlines have come together on a common ground to work together with regards to fuel management, ground handling, sales and staff as well as rationalize network and crew. As per both airlines there is no equity implications in this alliance. This alliance is similar to global alliances such as One World, Sky Team, and Star Alliance. This move is not a cartel but a move to save costs. According to both airlines this alliance will result in substantial cost saving and both airlines have collaborated on a long term perspective. The global aviation industry is facing a financial crunch and this alliance should be beneficial to the end consumers as well. Further discussions and deliberations will be taken forward by both airlines at the up coming air show in Hyderabad.

Indigo Adds 14 New Services
IndiGo is starting round-trip daily services between Jaipur and Ahmedabad; Bangalore and Ahmedabad; Madras and Jaipur (via Calcutta). IndiGo will also provide additional round-trip services between Bombay and Jaipur, and between Jaipur and Bangalore (via Ahmedabad).

Kingfisher starts operations to Nanded & Latur
Kingfisher Airlines has started operations linking Mumbai to Nanded & Latur from 6th October 2008. Click here for the flight schedule....

A new runway opened at IGI Airport New Delhi
A new runway at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport opened for commercial operations, with British Airways Boeing 777-300 flight being the first to land and flight was given a ceremonial water canon salute when it landed. The 4.4-km-long runway is the longest in the country and capable of handling the largest aircraft category which includes the Airbus A-380 and the Antonov An-225. Once the runway is operational, the secondary runway will not be used unless one of the two main runways is not available. Sources revealed the new runway will be used for landing, in order to minimise taxiing time for domestic aircraft, and the main will be used for take-offs. However, if the wind direction necessitates landing from the Dwarka side, landing will take place on the main runway and take-offs from the new runway.

International

Jet Airways expands Codeshare Agreement with Brussels Airlines to include Paris and Manchester
Jet Airways has expanded its existing codeshare agreement with Brussels Airlines to include Paris and Manchester (effective October 26, 2008), via the airline’s European hub in Brussels. Manchester is Jet Airways’ second codeshare destination in the UK, after Birmingham, in addition to the airline’s direct, daily services to London from Mumbai, Delhi and Amritsar in India. With this codeshare expansion, Jet Airways now offers its passengers improved connectivity between Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai in India and Birmingham, Madrid, Barcelona, Lyon, Berlin Tempelhof, Paris and Manchester, via Brussels, through its codeshare agreement with Brussels Airlines.

Finnair to reschedule India flights from winter
Helsinki-based Finnair will cut its frequency by one flight each from both Mumbai and Delhi from next month. As a result, the Delhi-Helsinki service will be reduced to six days a week from a daily service and the Mumbai-Helsinki service will be reduced from six to five days a week. The airline has also introduced a new time-table for the winter months to “make flying to Europe more convenient” for Indian travellers. Click here for the flight schedule....

Jet Airways announces optimization of its Long-Haul International Network
In light of the downturn in major economies worldwide, more specifically in the USA and UK, Jet Airways plans to optimize its network, focusing more on its established international gateways and routes. Jet Airways will withdraw the Amritsar-London flight and will not launch operations to Saudi Arabia this year as per its original schedule. The airline had recently announced the withdrawal of Mumbai-Shanghai-San Francisco flight from January 2009. Passenger traffic between India and San Francisco will be served via Jet Airways’ London gateway in cooperation with partner airlines. Jet Airways has already announced a code share partnership with United Airlines with convenient connections between Mumbai and several US points via London in both directions. This will enable Jet Airways to continue to serve its San Francisco customers, under a 9W flight number, in a more economically viable manner.

SAS starts Delhi / Copenhagen service

Starting 28 October 2008 SAS takes you from Delhi to Copenhagen three times a week. Click here for the flight schedule....

Etihad Airways expands Codeshare Services with SriLankan Airlines
Etihad Airways is to provide its customers with access to the luxury holiday destination of the Maldives, following an extension of its existing codeshare agreement with SriLankan Airlines. Under the extended deal the Abu Dhabi-based airline will place its two-letter ‘EY’ code on all of SriLankan Airlines’ services between the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo and Mahe, the main city in the Maldives. Customers of SriLankan Airlines will also be able to access key destinations on Etihad’s growing global flight network, including convenient connections from Abu Dhabi to Damascus, Beirut and Jeddah in the Middle East as well as Geneva, Munich, Manchester, New York and Toronto. Etihad and SriLankan have also signed a reciprocal agreement to link their respective frequent flyer programmes. Members of both programmes will be able to earn and redeem miles when travelling on all Etihad and SriLankan flights, included those covered by the new codeshare agreement. Click here for the flight schedule....

Air Arabia to introduce daily service to Hyderabad
Air Arabia announced that it will launch daily service to Hyderabad, India, beginning October 27, 2008. The LCC will fly to Hyderabad daily, departing Sharjah at 0:20AM and arriving at Hyderabad at 5:30AM. Return flights will depart Hyderabad at 6:15AM and arrive in Sharjah at 8:40AM.

British Airways to launch Hyderabad-London direct flight in December
British Airways will launch a direct London-Hyderabad service in December this year, a top airline official said. The service will launch on 7 December. Click here for the flight schedule....

Dubai-Ahmedabad Air India Express begins
The maiden flight to Ahmedabad will be a thrice-a-week operation on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The flight will go onward to Nagpur and Mumbai on all these three days. Click here for the flight schedule....

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Indian Recipe of the month......

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Special Feature of the month......

Taj Grand Palaces
The Taj escorts you back to the splendor and elegance of India’s royal heritage. Live the life of a Maharajah for a few days in the spectacular Taj grand palaces in Rajasthan. Where every square foot is resonant with stories of polo playing princes and the beautiful princesses that stole their hearts. The royal butlers, descendants of the original Palace retainers serve you at a level of pomp and pamper that was once the sole preserve of royalty. Click here to read more....

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Newsletters from the past.....

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 Regional Sales teams.....

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

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