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PMO pushes for boost to tourism sector

 An Inter-Ministerial Coordination Committee for Tourism Sector set up by the Government under the chairmanship the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, had its second meeting in the Prime Minister's Office on 13th August, 2012. Secretaries to the Government of India of important Ministries were present. The Principal Secretary emphasised the importance of tourism as a key sector for employment generation and economic development and stressed the need for all the Ministries concerned to work toward the development of this important sector.

Some of the important decisions taken in the meeting were:
A Sub-Committee consisting of Secretary (Tourism), Secretary (Labour & Employment) and Secretary (Rural Development) will identify employment potentialities of tourism and hospitality sector, particularly in rural areas. This Committee will make recommendations regarding specific training and skill development requirements and prepare an action plan.

The Ministry of Culture will expedite the development of essential facilities like tourist facilitation and information centres, souvenir shops, toilet facilities, etc., to begin with, at the 19 World Heritage Sites managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) through an appropriate agency. The Ministry will also take an early decision on the proposals received, in this connection, by the Archaeological Survey of India from the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC).

State Governments/ UT Administrations will be requested to partner the exercise for creation of tourist facilitation and infrastructure facilities in stages in all 116 ticketed ASI monuments. The committee noted that basic amenities and high standards of hygiene and cleanliness are essential for enhancing quality of experience that the country offers to the visitors.

The ASI will introduce computerized ticketing in 116 monuments and audio-visual guides in 36 monuments in phases over a period of six months.

The on-going exercise of rationalization of visa regime will be completed by the Ministry of Home Affairs within two weeks.

The Ministry of Tourism will work out an action plan for imparting training to the Immigration Staff within four weeks.

Thomas Cook concludes stake sale operations to Fairbridge Capital

Thomas Cook Group PLC (TCG) has concluded the sale of 76.69% stake in its India operations to Fairbridge Capital (Mauritius) Ltd. (Fairbridge), a subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd. The deal was approved with 99,99% votes by shareholders at a General Meeting on August 9, 2012.

The shares transfer process was concluded post completion of all shareholder & regulatory requirements. Thomas Cook (India) Ltd (TCIL), a public limited company listed on the National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange since 1883, is an independent entity, and has no financial or operational dependencies on TCG.

Fairbridge is an investment company engaged in long-term investments and acquisitions in the Indian region with a focus on long-term capital appreciation through a flexible and value-oriented approach.
Fairbridge is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (Fairfax), a Toronto-based financial services holding company with a global presence in insurance and reinsurance, and a portfolio of assets in excess of US$30 billion invested worldwide. Fairfax has almost 20 insurance subsidiaries and joint ventures globally, including several market leading companies such as Odyssey Re (USA), Crum & Forster (USA), First Capital (Singapore), Fairfax Brasil (Brazil), Gulf Insurance (Kuwait) and ICICI Lombard (India).

Infocus

Hilton New Delhi–Noida–Mayur Vihar introduces unique dinner experience

Hilton New Delhi–Noida–Mayur Vihar introduces a unique dinner experience that is a confluence of four distinct cuisines from four different countries at Infinity, the all-day-dining restaurant that offers an extensive buffet and à la carte menu of international and local delicacies. Guests at the upscale hotel located just off the DND Flyway and a 20-minute drive from the commercial hub in NOIDA, are able to embark on a culinary journey, prepared by Executive Chef Theodor Rudiferia, that includes appetisers from Italy, soups from France, a main course from Australia and desserts from California.  Each course is paired with wine from the country.

Priced at Rs. 3300 per person, this dinner experience is available till August, 2012, Monday to Saturday, from 7pm to 11pm.

Guest also have a choice of ordering each individual dish with or without wine at the following prices:
Teaser and appetizer with wine – Rs. 700 / Teaser and appetizer without wine – Rs. 430
Teaser and soup with wine – Rs. 750 / Teaser and soup without wine – Rs. 400
Teaser and main with wine – Rs. 1300 / Teaser and main without wine - Rs. 950
Dessert with wine – Rs. 700 / Dessert without wine - Rs. 350

Domestic News

Cox & Kings Q1 cons net profit at Rs1.47bn

 Cox & Kings Limited (“CNK”), the  leading Holidays and Education travel group having operations in 26 countries across continents, reported its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year FY13, which is three months ending June 30, 2012.

Income from Operations increased by 239% y-o-y to Rs. 532 crores in Q1FY13 and EBITDA (excl. forex gain/loss) increased by 232% y-o-y to Rs. 2.40bn.

PBT (before share of profit of associates) increased by 194% y-o-y in Q1FY13 to Rs. 178 crores and PAT increased by 286% y-o-y to Rs. 1.47bn.

Earnings per share increased from Rs. 2.79 in Q1FY12 to Rs. 9.65 in Q1FY13.

Post Holidaybreak acquisition, Cox & Kings now operates across three major travel categories – Leisure Tours, Education Travel and Camping Holidays. FY13 would be the first full year of consolidating Holidaybreak Ltd.

Sahara Group to buy stake in Beverly Hilton hotel: reports

The Sahara Group is in talks with US-based Oasis West Realty to pick up a controlling stake in Beverly Hilton hotel, according to reports.

Reports stated that  owner of Oasis, Beny Alagem, had approached Sahara to sell 55% stake in the iconic hotel for about $340 mn ( Rs 19bn)

Oasis plans to add a 170-room, five-star hotel and a 150-condos residential tower to the nine-acre property, says report.

Last month Sahara bought a majority stake in New York's iconic Plaza hotel for Rs 32bn.

DoubleTree by Hilton opens third hotel in Goa

Hilton Worldwide will open the newly-renovated, upscale, full-service DoubleTree by Hilton Goa-Arpora-Baga, the third DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in India on August 15, 2012.  Ensconced in a quiet setting, the 104-room hotel is located centrally just a few kilometres from the picturesque Baga and Anjuna beaches and in the heart of the popular shopping, dining and entertainment districts.  The Saturday Nite Bazaar and Splash Water Park are both within walking distance from the hotel, and the Anjuna Flea Market is also close, making the hotel a comfortable and convenient base from which to explore the breathtaking coastline of North Goa.

Formerly known as Riviera De Goa, DoubleTree by Hilton Goa-Arpora-Baga will mark its new affiliation with a range of refurbishments that include refreshed guestrooms and public spaces, extensive landscaping, a new business centre, up-to-date technology and an enhanced dining experience that will encompass the new restaurant Flame, which will offer an extensive menu of Goan, Indian, Chinese and Italian delicacies.

With this transformation, guests at the hotel will be able to experience the same warmth and hospitality characteristic of more than 300 DoubleTree by Hilton hotels and resorts in 24 countries around the world. This hospitality begins with the warm welcome of the brand’s signature chocolate chip cookie presented to every guest at check-in and the rewards of Hilton HHonors guest loyalty programme.

Leela opens South India’s first sea-facing modern palace hotel

Global News

London 2012: Visa account holders contribute US$1.4bn to UK tourism Economy

According to Visa Inc., international travelers spent an additional US$716.7 million on their Visa accounts while in the United Kingdom during the second week of the London 2012 Olympic Games (July 30 – August 5), bringing the total spend on Visa accounts in the United Kingdom to more than $1.4 billion. While the biggest Visa spenders still hail from the United States, Visa account holders from Russia – one of the top 15 contributors to the London 2012 Olympic Games – have increased travel spend on their Visa accounts by more than 30 percent for the second week in a row.

“The Olympics are a showcase for athletics and innovation, and the same goes for tourism,” said Kevin Burke, CMO of Core Products, Visa Inc. “It is easier than ever for international travelers safely to pay for goods and services with payment cards, contactless smart cards or mobile technology. Visa’s spend data shows that more countries are able to take advantage of these payment innovations. Tourism is a vital component of economic growth for any nation, and it is exciting that Visa payment technology is making it possible for countries and regions around the world to have a bigger impact on the global economy.”

The top 10 contributing countries accounted for 57 percent of the total amount spent on Visa accounts in the United Kingdom during this time period.
The top three spending categories remained the same as the first week of the Olympic Games – “Services” ($139.1 million), including items such as shoe and jewelry repair and spas; “Entertainment” ($106.6 million), including theater tickets and other attractions; and “Airlines” ($82.4 mn). The “Clothing” category moved up to be the fourth highest spending category with $67.9 million, surpassing “Other Retail” ($66.3 mn), which includes bike shops, bookstores, antique stores, and drug stores.

South African Tourism wins Today’s Traveller Best Publicity and Promotions Award

Innovative outdoor and cinema campaigns and the first-time-ever a country guide penned by famous cricketer Jonty Rhodes enabled South African Tourism to walk away with the Today’s Traveller Best Publicity and Promotions award. The event was a star-studded gala awards’ ceremony with a distinguished guest list.

Subodh Kant Sahai, the Honourable Minister for Tourism, Government of India, presided as the Chief Guest and Ramesh Sippy, noted filmmaker and ace fashion designer Ritu Beri were the Celebrity Guests. To mark the 15th Anniversary of Today’s Traveller a Coffee Table Book, Today’s Traveller—Star Power, was also launched.

The nominations were adjudged by a panel of jury comprising some renowned names in the travel tourism industry. By winning this award South African Tourism has added another feather to its hat this year. Earlier this year, South Africa had won Lonely Planet’s award for Best International Wildlife Destination.