India ranks No.1 in top travel destination in the world
India tops Condé Nast Traveller's, UK readers' travel awards 2007
4 September 2007
Mumbai: India ranks No.1 in top travel destination in the world according to this year's readers' travel awards announced by luxury travel magazine Condé Nast Traveller UK, up from the fourth position last year.
In the global luxury travel trade circles, the Condé Nast Traveller awards are considered the equivalent of the Oscars of the travel industry.
Among advertising campaigns for the top tourism destinations, the ministry of tourism's Incredible India series, walked away with best awards.
"India was the 10th most preferred destination in 2004, the 4th in 2006 and is now at the top in 2007 and that is where we want to be," says Ambika Soni, minister, tourism and culture. "We are proud and privileged to be the recipients of this prestigious award."
The others in the Top 5 winning countries are Italy, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand.
According to Leena Nandan, joint secretary, ministry of tourism, India, "India has a richness and diversity that is unmatched the world over and we are happy that Condé Nast Traveller, UK, has recognized it and given us the award for the most favoured destination."
The influx of British tourisms to India is growing and the respondents to this survey are some of the most sophisticated and avid travelers across the world.
"India's fantastic success in the UK, especially among the top end of the market, is due to a combination of factors: full marks to the sustained efforts of the ministry of tourism and its Incredible India advertising campaign," says Marzban Patel, chairman and managing director, Mediascope Publicitas. "Similar ad campaigns from other state tourism boards and hospitality majors have helped the momentum and finally credit must go to Condé Nast Traveller, UK whose breathtaking features on India combined with award winning photography has continuously mesmerised its affluent and trend setting readership. As their India representative, I have worked closely with all the above constituents over the last decade and this recognition gives me enormous joy and satisfaction."
The survey was based on the preferences of Condé Nast Traveller readers which were analysed by independent market-research company, Market Management. The nominations were judged on a range of criteria particular to each category, from "range of accommodation" to "environmental friendliness".
Kate Slesinger, publisher, Condé Nast Traveller UK, adds, "No-one could be more thrilled than I to see India at the top of the 2007 list of our readers' favourite destinations. This year, Condé Nast Traveller celebrates its tenth anniversary, and how far India has traveled up the scale in the past ten years! The success of your country among the UK's most influential travelers is down to the fact that the product now matches the dream created so artfully by advertising and PR. It is no longer the preserve of die-hard backpackers and gap-year students: the reality of India in 2007 is that it represents a kaleidoscope of experiences to be enjoyed in the utmost comfort and luxury. I applaud the efforts of everyone involved in bringing India to the coveted position number one."
International Awards
• One of the three finalists at the WTTC (World Tourism Travel Council) ‘Tourism for Tomorrow’ awards in the destination category, 2006
ITB Berlin
• Das Golden Stadttor award for the Print campaign, 2007
• Das Golden Stadttor Award for Best Commercial, 2006
Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)
• Grand award for Environment, 2006
• Gold award for Ecotourism, 2006
• Gold award for Publication, 2006
• Gold Award for E-Newsletter, 2005
• Honorable Mention for Culture, 2005
• Gold Award for Culture, 2004
• Gold Award for Ecotourism, 2004
• Gold Award for CD-ROM, 2004 and 2003
• Gold Award for Marketing, 2003
• Grand Award for Heritage, 2002
Pacific Asia Travel Writers Association (PATWA)
• International Award for Leisure Tourism, 2000-2001
National Awards
Government of India
• Most Innovative Use of Information Technology, 2005-06
• Best Performing Tourism State, 2005
• Best Maintained Tourist-friendly Monument, 2005
• Best Publishing, 2005
• Best Marketed and Promoted State, 2004.
• Best Maintained Tourist-friendly Monument, 2004
• Best Innovative Tourism Project, 2004
• Best Promotion Literature, 2004
• Best Publishing, 2004
• Best Performing State for 2003, 2001, 2000 and 1999 - Award for Excellence in Tourism. (For rapid growth, development and advancement in the tourism sector)
• Best Practices by a State Government, 2003
• Best Eco-tourism Product, 2003
• Best Wildlife Sanctuary, 2003
• Most Innovative Use of Information Technology, 2002-03
• Most Tourist-friendly International Airport, 2002
• Most Eco-friendly Destination, 2002
• Best Tourism Film, 2001
• Most Innovative Use of Information Technology, 2000-01
Outlook Traveller - TAAI
• Best State that promoted Travel & Tourism, 2000-2001
Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)
• Award for Best Marketing, 2003
• Award for Best Use of IT in Tourism, 2003
Galileo - Express Travel & Tourism
• Award for the Best State Tourism Board, 2006
• Award for the Best State Tourism Board, 2005
• Award for the Best State Tourism Board, 2003
Tourism Australia to open office In India
12 January 2007
Tourism Australia will open a new office in India in 2007, most likely in Mumbai, to take advantage of increasing tourism opportunities in this rapidly growing market.
Tourism Australia's regional manager for South, South East Asia and Gulf, Maggie White, said the office opening follows strong tourism marketing activity and trade representation already taking place in the market. A dedicated office will ensure that continuing marketing efforts will capture a larger segment of Indian consumers.
In 2005-06 visitors to Australia from India grew by 33 per cent to 78,900 compared with 2004-05. The Indian market is expected to reach 550,000 tourists by 2025, with a value of more $2 billion.
Maggie White welcomed the whole-of-government response to the National Tourism Emerging Markets Strategy: China and India, released today by Tourism Minister Fran Bailey, which included the commitment to open a new Tourism Australia office in India.
A range of innovative marketing programs and PR activities in India led by Tourism Australia will help capture key segments of the market.
"The new office will allow Tourism Australia to build on existing marketing and PR activities, and will support the roll out of the 'So Where the Bloody Hell Are You?' campaign, which launched on Indian TV this week," said Ms White.
"Currently, we are also targeting the growing honeymoon market using Shaadi.com, India's most successful matrimonial service. The month long campaign is using banners, newsletters and a interactive micro site to showcase Australia as an ideal honeymoon destination to over seven million registered members.
"Through our Aussie Specialist program, 487 registered Aussie Specialist agents from 135 travel agencies are selling Australian holidays to Indian consumers with their detailed knowledge of Australia and the fabulous experiences we have to offer. The program also provides a vehicle for Australian industry to access the retail network.
"The support from the Australian and Indian tourism industries for continued development of the Indian market has been stronger than ever. In September 2006 we saw the largest ever Indian Travel Mission with 48 Australian sellers and 114 Indian travel buyers taking part.
As India grows and opens up economically, more companies are finding incentive trips are a good way to reward and educate staff. Australia is high on the incentive list, being seen as an ideal and rewarding destination.
"Opening a dedicated Tourism Australia office in India will assist us in promoting Australia as a great place to visit for work or play to a wider Indian audience", concluded Maggie White.
Government to develop five ports as cruise tourism hubs
28 May 2007
Mumbai: The government has identified five ports for developing as cruise tourism hubs with a view to encouraging high-end tourism in the country.
The ports identified for the purpose are Mumbai, Mormugao, New Mangalore and Kochi on the west coast, and Tuticorin on the east coast, official sources said.
The ministry will also extend assistance for procurement of cruise vessels or boats for promotion of this new tourism initiative, the official said.
The decision to develop these ports as world class tourist hubs close on the heels of the government setting up of high-powered steering committee with members from ministry of tourism and ministry of shipping on the board for formulating the cruise tourism policy of the country.
The committee in turn formed another "working group" to identify the ports.
"The ministry of tourism has ready to extend financial assistance for tourism infrastructure, development of specified tourism projects, including projects related to coastal monuments and tourist spots of different states and the UTs," a senior official in the ministry of tourism said.
Kerala Tourism to launch budget hotel brand "Tamarind Easy Hotels"
10 September 2007
Thiruvananthapuram: State government-owned Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) has plans to launch a budget hotel brand.
The company's budget brand, Tamarind Easy Hotels, aim to provide guests with modern facilities at affordable rates, according to company officials. The creation of a distinct budget hotel brand is part of the company's efforts to improve its offering.
The chain will initially comprise eight budget properties operated by KTDC under the 'Yatri Nivas' name, which will be upgraded and brought under the umbrella of the new brand. These include properties at Kannur, Thrissur, Mannarkad, Guruvayur, Alappuzha, Changanacherry and Kollam.
Additionally, the company is looking at setting up seven new properties under the budget hotel brand in other locations across Kerala
Online travel agencies set to increase market share: Study
28 March 2007
New Delhi: According to a travel industry report, online travel agencies are all set to triple their market share even as traditional brick and mortar establishments are projected to see their share of the tourism market decline dramatically from 32 per cent in 2005 to a mere 10 per cent in 2008.
The report by Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) says India's fragmented travel supply market and sophisticated online retail and shopping experience is pushing out travel consultants to help travellers plan their trips.
According to reports, the online travel market in India is set to see its value rise manifold over the next two years, due to two major developments — the rise of low-cost budget airlines and the emerging middle class.
According to estimates, the online travel market, which was an estimated $295 million in 2005 is projected to grow to $2 billion by 2008.
The domestic travel market has also been boosted by growing investments in tourism infrastructure, growth of banking infrastructure facilitating online payments, and the success of Indian Railways' online booking.
Boosted by the growing trend towards independent travel, the online booking will increase from just two per cent in 2005 to more then 10 per cent in 2008, it says.
Israel taps Cochini-Indian tradition to boost tourism
14 August 2007
Mumbai: Israel will tap the Cochini-Indian tradition to promote tourism in southern Negev, where a 'moshav' (collective agricultural settlement) has been allocated one million shekels for the purpose.
"We all recognise the contribution of the Cochini community in making the desert bloom. The move to turn Nevatim (Cochini agricultural settlement in south Israel) into a tourist attraction was initiated by our Nobel laureate President Shimon Peres himself," a representative of the Keren Kayemet foundation said.
Peres served as the minister for developing the Negev and the northern bordering areas during his vice premiership, before being elected President, and was closely connected to the Cochini community in Nevatim.
He also participated in a special event two years ago in the agricultural settlement to celebrate 50 years of immigration of Cochini Jews to Israel, praising their contribution in the development of the Negev desert. Members of the Cochini community said efforts are underway to turn the settlement into a replica of their place of origin in Kerala.
