Creatively_Yours_October

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*Welcome to "Creatively Yours", the newsletter from Creative Travel India.* This month, our newsletter starts out with an update on the Earthquake that struck Northern India and Pakistan over this past weekend. Our aim is always to get information out to our partners as soon as the news breaks. We believe that we have been one of the first tour operators to send out an update on this developing story. This meets our expectations of ensuring no delays in what we feel is information critical to the operations of your business. Our wishes and support go out to our friends in Pakistan where the damage has been extensive. It is at times like this that we in the global tourism industry need to bond together and ensure that clients keep on traveling. Every traveler sent is a mark of support to a region. Through *"Creatively Yours"* we hope to keep you informed on the latest news in Team Creative and the destination. We hope you find this to be useful. Have a Creative Day !

Rajeev Kohli Director of Marketing Creative Travel India Established in 1977, Creative Travel has grown to be among India's leading Destination Management Companies covering all of India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Tibet. This region is a special place for travelers and our vast experience in handling clients from all over the world allows us to create the most memorable programs for you.


EMERGENCY UPDATE - Earthquake strikes Pakistan - Northern India


Update as of 13th October, 2005 Death toll in Pakistan is estimated to cross 40,000 In Pakistan the toll is estimated to cross 40,000. Initial reports said there were 17,115 fatalities in PoK alone. Those injured were 41,000. *Read more on the quake aftermath...* http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/4322624.stm Death Toll in Srinagar crosses 1300 Army troops on Wednesday reached hitherto inaccessible areas in quake-battered Jammu and Kashmir even as the death count in the weekend's monster quake mounted to over 1300. *Read more...* http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1260429.cms Indian troops cross over to assist Pakistani Troops On Wednesday afternoon there were shouts from Pakistani army officers, urging the Indian troops to send men across and help rescue the trapped soldiers. "Please cross over and help," was the Pakistani plea. The Indian response was swift. *Read more...* http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1517388,0008.htm http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/4334590.stm For the latest updates, please visit http://www.pata.org/patasite/index.php?id=1304


Update as of 10th October, 2005 Dear Partners : As you may have heard, there has been a devastating earthquake in the Northern Himalayas. The epicenter was in the Pakistan occupied part of Kashmir. The damage from this quake has been more in Pakistan with some affects being felt in the northern regions of Kashmir. Below is an update as of this morning of the situation on the ground. There is no information of any damage to any areas of interest to tourists or of any tourists coming in harms way. We feel all tours to India can run normally without any deviations. Situation in Pakistan : At least 30,000 people are reported to have been killed and another 40,000 are injured in Pakistan, thousands of homes have collapsed, towns and villages have been completely flattened and cut off in Saturday morning's earthquake that registered 7.6 on the Richter scale, and it is certain that the toll will climb. The Epicentre of the quake was in west Muzaffarabad in PoK, 95 km from Islamabad. *Read more...* http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4324534.stm http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1257627.cms http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1514231,0008.htm Situation in Jammu & Kashmir : The death toll in the Kashmir valley rose to over 650. Uri is one of the worst-affected areas in north Kashmir with over 200 casualties. Ninety per cent homes, offices and shops were razed to the ground. In Srinagar : Tremors were reported in Srinagar, but no casualties have been reported so far. Tourists are safe and tours are continuing as normal. All tourist places are open. *Read more...* http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1257418.cms Situation in Rest of India : Tremors were felt in Delhi, Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, Uttaranchal, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan, but no causalities or damage was reported. Read more... http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1256737.cms Srinagar- Muzaffarabad bus service stopped A part of the Aman Setu, a key bridge on the Line of Control near Uri, on the Srinagar- Muzaffarabad road link has collapsed and is now non-operational. With the sinking of the bridge, the next trip of the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus scheduled to ply on October 20 has been temporarily put off. We shall update you as we hear more. Regards Rajeev Rajeev Kohli Director of Marketing Creative Travel India


Festivals

Dussehra

Dussehra symbolises the triumph of good over evil. This Hindu festival is celebrated all over India to mark the victory of Rama over Ravana, the great demon and king of Lankan, who had abducted his wife, Sita. In north India the Dussehra celebration includes the Ram-Lila that consists of plays, recitations and music that recall the life of the legendary hero, Rama. The Ram-Lila is held during the nine days preceding Dussehra. On the tenth day, elaborate processions lead to the Ram-Lila grounds where immense cracker-stuffed effigies of the demon Ravana and his son and brother -Meghnath and Kumbhakarna explode to the cheers of thousands of spectators. We at Creative Travel will be closed tomorrow, 12^th October, 2005.

Diwali

Diwali, or Deepavali, perhaps the best-known Hindu festival, marks the end of the season that opens with Dussehra. Diwali is celebrated throughout India. It usually takes place in October/November. 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 and Creative Travel will be closed on 1^st November, 2005.


Creative News

Ram Kohli appointed as the Chairman, National Tourism Committee, CII Ram Kohli, Chairman of Creative Travel was invited to be the Chair for 2005 - 2006 of the National Tourism Committee of the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII). CII is India's top body that represents all major sectors of the economy and plays a vital role in policy formulation with the government.

Rajeev Kohli re-elected as Vice President, ASTA India** Rajeev Kohli was re-elected to the post of Vice President of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) India chapter. The term is for 2 years. This year, ASTA India Chapter is making a grand presence at the ASTA Conference in Montreal, Canada. Rajeev will be traveling to Montreal for the event as well.


Where you can find us next

Everywhere we exhibit, there is one thing that is constant - our striking signature "Black & Orange" stand. Its always nice to have a place to sit down and meet old friends or make new ones. In November & December we shall be at : World Travel Mart (WTM) 2005 - London - November 14 - 17 : Stand No. AS 3600. EIBTM 2005 - Barcelona - 29 November - 01 December : Stand No. E 770. International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) 2005 - Cannes - 6 - 8 December : Stand No. W 112


Plan it! News The Meetings & Conferences Team at Creative Travel

Pediatrics Conference crosses 5000 delegates
Plan it!, the conference division of Creative Travel, is the conference manager for PEDICON, the Pediatrics Conference being held in Delhi from 5th - 8th January, 2006. Registrations have crossed 5,000 and are expected to cross 6,000. Being a part of Creative Travel, Plan it! has a strong linage of excellence and a strong grounding in skills. Having handled thousands of delegates over a variety of conferences and meetings of all shapes and sizes, the team at Plan it! offers the conference buyer a one stop shop for all their meeting & conference related needs. For more information visit www.planit-india.com



Destination News

India

Agreement on a Code of Practice between IATO and FHRAI to be signed soon An agreement on a Code of Practice between the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) and Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) made some headway and should be completed within this year. The code of practice would ensure that a proper system is in place both for FHRAI and IATO. This will help resolve issues like over-booking, bouncing off by hotels, etc.

Tourist arrivals rise by 15% Tourist arrivals to India have registered a 15% growth in the first nine months of 2005. *Read more at...* “Tourist arrivals rise 15%, $4-billion forex in kitty” – The Economic Times, 8 October, 2005

Magical Deccan Odyssey Rail Journey to Resume The Deccan Odyssey, reportedly Maharashtra's only super luxury train, is all set to begin its week-long journey through the heart of the state in October. It will take the tourists through the erstwhile kingdom of the Marathas, namely Mumbai, Ganapatiphule, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Tarkali, Sawantwadi, Goa, Pune, Aurangabad, Ellora, Ajanta and Nasik. Mr Prithiviraj Patil, General Manager, MTDC, said, "The Deccan Odyssey has been benchmarked along with the best luxury trains in the world, like the Blue Train of South Africa, The Orient Express of Europe and the Eastern and Oriental of South East Asia. It was nice to see the foreign tourist overwhelmed by our royal treatment." Each coach of the train - which runs between October and April each year - is named after some of the places and forts of Maharashtra.

UNESCO Honour for a Legendary Mumbai Museum Mumbai's The Victoria & Albert Museum has been honoured with an Award of Excellence given by UNESCO under its Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards in recognition of the efforts during the last 10 years, to restore this cultural monument to its former glory. The museum, Mumbai's oldest, is observing its 150th anniversary and is considered one of the finest embodiments of the Renaissance Revival style.

Dusshera Deepawali Festival in Jaipur from 12th October to 1st November. The Dusshera Deepawali Festival at Jaipur will include Traditional Royal Procession from City Palace through Jaipur walled city ending at Albert Hall on 12 Oct., Night Bazaar from 18 to 28 Oct., Food Street at Jal Mahal from 22-28 Oct., National Culture Festival from 18th to 28th Oct.

MOT to come up with website on rural tourism India's heart lies in its villages. Every rural community is steeped in folklore and indigenous craft. The Ministry of Tourism and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in India have partnered the promotion of 31 such rural locations, under the Rural Tourism Scheme. The initiative aims to enable the local communities and introduce visitors to their art and craft, cultural and natural heritage. The website launched on September 27, 2005 contains all information related to the project, the destinations and images related to the sites.

Sharadotsav - Kutch On the occasion of Sharad Purnima, this fascinating district known for its colourfully-dressed people, rich handicraft traditions and natural wonders will welcome visitors to witness the heritage of Kutch at Loriya, one of the famous craft villages north of Bhuj. On the night of the full moon day, when the white salt-encrusted landscapes of the Rann look splendidly attractive, visitors can enjoy cultural performances and participate in the lifestyle of the pastoral, nomadic and semi-nomadic groups of this district.

Nepal

Tourist arrivals to Nepal increases Visitor's coming to Nepal by air reached a total of 27,511, marking a growth of 46.5% in the month of September 2005 as compared to the same period last year. This was stated in the figures released by Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. The improvement of security and safety conditions in the country as well as absence of negative stories about Nepal have added to the growth

Nepal to Promote Langtang Festival A week-long festival is to be organized in order to promote domestic and foreign tourism by highlighting the tourism potentials of the Langtang Region, the 3rd best destination for trekking in Nepal from 9th to 17th of March, 2006. Langtang Region, situated in Rasuwa District comprises magnificent tourist destinations, including Langtang National Park, Langtang, Ganesh and Sadjen Mountains, Suryakunda, Trisuli Dhara, Parvati Kunda, Gosai Kunda, Tatopani and Rasuwagadi.

Lumbini, Birthplace Of Lord Buddha To Be World Peace City The International Committee for Development of Lumbini (ICDL), a 16-member committee constituted for developing Lumbini - birthplace of Lord Buddha, has decided to develop Lumbini as a World Peace city. The committee includes India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Japan, Indonesia, Korea, Singapore, Thailand and Nepal.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Tourist Arrivals on the Rise A noteworthy increase of tourist arrival to Sri Lanka has been reported despite many areas being badly affected by the Tsunami on 26 December, 2004. The latest statistics of the Sri Lanka Tourist Board (SLTB) have indicated an increase of 11.7% from January to August 2005 this year as compared to the same period last year. According to SLTB Director General S. Kalaiselvam, "A new hope has emerged in the country's tourism industry following the tsunami with tourist arrivals surpassing the 300,000 figure from January to August."

SLTB to develop up-market hotspots The Sri Lanka Tourist Board (SLTB) has earmarked more than 15,000 acres of land with a view to increasing the island's up-market tourist facilities. SLTB recently received the green signal from the government for its plans to convert 4,000 acres in the Puttalam district of Kalpitiya on the island's west coast into an up-market tourist hotspot. The western peninsula of Kalpitiya, in spite of its natural beauty, has remained remarkably untouched by tourism. Home to a local fishing community, the area currently attracts keen eco-tourists and scuba-divers. The largest coral reef in Sri Lanka - the Bar Reef - is just a short boat trip from Kalpitiya. Other areas earmarked for development include the beautiful hill country of Nuwara Eliya and the idyllic south coast of Bentota.


Hotel News

India

Le Meridien Cochin Inaugurates The Tower Wing of 72 Luxurious Suites Addressing the increasing demand for five star accommodation in Kerala, Le Meridien Cochin expands its current inventory of 151 to 223 rooms and suites amongst 25 acres of Kerala's pristine backwaters and coconut groves. Thousand across scenic backwaters from the main Hotel, the Tower suites have been meticulously designed to offer stunning views of serene backwaters, lush green coconut groves and far-off city sights. The Le Meridien Towers is all about being Fashionably luxurious in beautiful, pristine environs. Accessibility is by a scenic 2 minute, romantic boat journey offering the essence of Kerala experience or a short drive by road for the inhibited.

Taj extends its domestic presence As part of its domestic expansion strategy, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces has announced its plans to develop a new Taj Business Hotel in Coimbatore, the second biggest city of Tamil Nadu. Taj Hotels has entered into a long-term license agreement with the owners of Hotel Surya International, Coimbatore. Situated on a 2.17-acre plot on Race Course Road, an upscale location in Coimbatore, the existing structure of Hotel Surya International will be pulled down to make way for a new Taj Business Hotel. This 200-room hotel will be unveiled by October 2007, providing guests with all modern facilities and services.

More cities to get Fortune hotels ITC owned Fortune Park Hotels are on a major expansion spree. Plans have been finalised for new properties to come up in Vijaywada, Ludhiana, Kolkata, Goa, Cochin and Kumarakom. The chain, which has a strong presence in the south, is expected to add a few more properties in Kerala.

Grand Hyatt Mumbai fast metamorphosing into Mumbai’s lifestyle destination Grand Hyatt Mumbai is moving towards a new phase of development and is fast transforming into a multi-dimensional lifestyle complex. On the cards are : Grand Hyatt Plaza, the complex’s shopping mall which will house a wide range of Indian and International brands in two levels of shopping outlets across 100,000 sq. ft; Entertainment Centre which will provide an exciting mix of wining/dining and entertainment; a fully equipped fitness centre and spa, a beauty salon and swimming pool and tennis courts.

Park Plaza Royal Palms to open its doors soon Royal Palms Estates and Park Plaza Hotels, a part of the Carlson Hospitality Worldwide have entered into a tie-up to come up with a world class hotel at Goregaon in Mumbai. Park Plaza Royal Palms, Mumbai, is a grand business hotel about 15 minute drive from Mumbai's International airport. The hotel is located inside the lush locale of a 240-acre township called the Royal Palms Estate. This grand business hotel comes with an 18-Hole Championship Golf Course spread over 100 acres.

Sri Lanka

Apa Villa, Sri Lanka to re-open their doors from 1^st October. Apa Villa in Talpe, 8 km south from the historic Galle Fort in southern Sri Lanka, is set to reopen their doors following an extensive makeover from 1^st October. Apa Villa's charm lies in its mature coconut grove, and stunning swimming pool overlooking the Indian Ocean. The mood at the villas is leisurely. All suites are oriented to the sea. A unique elongated swimming pool is shaded by swaying palm trees. At its beach end is a wooden deck positioned to watch the rolling waves and spot the occasional ship passing or a sea turtle surfacing for air.

Saffrons Beach Villa, Sri Lanka will be operational from 1^st December 2005 Saffrons Beach Villa, a luxury four-suite property will be operational from 1^st December 2005. Saffrons Beach Villa commands just under an acre of palm fringed absolute beachfront location at Habaraduwa, 12 kms south of Fort Galle. The villa will provide a stunning private retreat for upto eight people.

The Fortress, Sri Lanka set to open later this year Per Aquum’s latest venture, The Fortress, located on the Southern tip of Sri Lanka, near the historic town of Galle is fast taking shape and is set to open later this year. Recreating history, The Fortress will be stylised on the powerful ancient Dutch Fort, echoing the historic days of Old Ceylon. The property will feature 49 sensual guest rooms with a naturally modern twist including 6 two-storey Ocean Lofts with private pools and 2 Fortress Residences. These Residences will offer the utmost in private accommodation showcasing a stunning cantilevered pool from the second story balcony allowing guests a panoramic view from the bedroom over the infinity edged pool to the Indian Ocean.

Galle Face Hotel to inaugurate its new wing in November The newly refurbished Southern Wing of Galle Face Hotel - The Regency will be operational from 1^st November. The Regency wing offers unique themes capturing a mood borrowing from the rich history of the hotel. All Rooms and Suites offer sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, the shopping arcade 'Piazza' or the Spa Garden. The 82 rooms at the Galle Face Hotel - The Regency consist of a multitude of suites that can be combined to provide a variety of living spaces that fit the needs of the visitors. The super luxury suites include living and dining areas, and are equipped with Jacuzzis, either in-room or on the balcony overlooking the ocean.


Airline News

Domestic

Luxury airline being eyed for in India Even as the concept of low-cost airline is yet to bloom in a big away, an Indian royal has indicated plans to launch an airline for wealthy people. “An Indian royal is banking on his heritage to fill seats in his latest venture - a luxury domestic airline that will even have a separate cabin for servants.” Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wodeyar is still deciding whether to call his new venture Sky Palace or Palace in the Sky. But if all goes according to plan, his airline will start operations in late 2006 or 2007. Wodeyar said that the objective of the airline would be target a flyer, who drives a Mercedes.

Jet Airways to launch second daily London service Jet Airways will introduce a second daily flight between India and London from October 30. Jet has been granted government approval to operate a daily service between Delhi and London, on top of its daily non-stop flights from Mumbai to London. The early morning flight will depart daily from Delhi at 2.55am and will arrive at London Heathrow Airport at 7am. The return flight will depart at 9.30am, arriving in Delhi at 11.35pm. The airline will use an A340-300 aircraft on the route with a capacity to seat 269 passengers in a two-class layout.

Kingfisher expands operations to Kerala Kingfisher Airlines rolled out its operations in Kerala by connecting Kochi with Mumbai, Bangalore and Delhi. The airline operates one flight a day in both directions to these cities on all days of the week. The airline plans to induct 11 new Airbus A320 aircraft to its fleet by January 2006. With the launch of the three new routes, the number of daily flights being offered by Kingfisher Airlines will go up to 44.

Paramount Airways takes off in September Paramount Airways, India's latest budget airline, has started operations. What is striking is its focus on secondary cities and offer “business-class only” seats at affordable fares. The airways will use five Brazilian aircraft - two Embraer 170s and three Embraer 175s. Embraer 170 would have 75 seats of all business class, while the cabin configuration of E175s would comprise 11 first class and 64 business class. Paramount plans to supplement traditional outlets for tickets with kiosks that work in the manner of bank ATMs. For flight schedule, click here.

Jet Airways and Air Sahara announces a 10% fare hike on Domestic Routes with effect from 14^th October, 2005.

International

Austrian Airlines starts Vienna-Mumbai-Vienna Flights Austrian airlines has added a second gateway in India – Mumbai and is operating five flights weekly. The airline is also considering a third destination – Bangalore/Chennai. Austrian Airlines has been till now been flying to New Delhi.

Swiss International offers Delhi, Toronto through codeshare Swiss International Airlines is introducing Delhi - Toronto though its code-share with Air Canada. Swiss is teaming up with Star Alliance member Air Canada on the Delhi-Zurich and Zurich-Toronto routes. Air Canada will connect the three cities daily using Boeing 767.

Thai Airways to increase flights to India. Thai Airways has drawn up new plans to increase frequency to destinations such as Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad. Currently Thai Airways is flying to five destinations in India.

Druk Air introduces discount on Dollar Fare for off season only. Druk Air has announced a discount on dollar fare, which will be available for the low seasons (December – January- February/ June – July – August) effective from 1^st December 2005.

Lufthansa introduces daily services between Delhi-Munich and Bangalore-Frankfurt Lufthansa recently announced plans to increase flight frequency between Delhi-Munich and Bangalore-Frankfurt to daily services from 1^st November.

American Airlines to begin nonstop flights from Delhi to Chicago American Airlines will launch daily nonstop flights between Delhi and Chicago effective 17 November, 2005.

Singapore Airlines to fly to Hyderabad and add additional flights to Bangalore Singapore Airlines is to launch flights to Hyderabad, from 30 October 2005, with a four times weekly service. The service will operate on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Hyderabad will become Singapore Airlines’ eighth destination in India, in addition to Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai and New Delhi. SilkAir, Singapore Airlines’ regional wing, will cease operations to Hyderabad on 28 October 2005, but will continue to serve Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram with 12 non-stop weekly services. Also from 30 October 2005, Singapore Airlines will mount additional services to Bangalore. The airline will operate two additional weekly services making it a five time weekly service.


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