Travelmail » Tourism

Seamless movement on Golden Triangle route

travelmail — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:52:30 +0000

breakingtravelnews.in BTNIndia
As a successful culmination of the collaborative and pro-active efforts of Ministry of Tourism with Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, the seamless movement of commercial tourist vehicles has finally taken off. A beginning has been made as the first set of tourist vehicles left for the Golden Triangle of Delhi – Agra – Jaipur on July 17, 2010 and returned the same night.
The Golden Triangle of Agra-Delhi-Jaipur is one of the most visited by foreign and domestic tourists. There is going to be an influx of tourists during the Commonwealth Games. To avoid hindrances in movement of tourist vehicles in the NCR especially, in the Golden Triangle of Agra – Delhi – Jaipur, Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways and the State Governments of NCT of Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh has made an arrangement whereby taxes would be collected centrally at each of the four starting nodes at Delhi, Gurgaon, Jaipur and Agra in such a way that the taxes thus collected are to be apportioned and the tourist coach / car would be allowed unhindered movement in the Golden Triangle. An octagonal sticker with security features designed by the Ministry of Tourism in consultation with the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways is being provided for the commercial tourist vehicles. The sticker contains all requisite details such as registration number of the vehicle, name of the operator, origin and destination points, route and period for which tax has been paid. There would be random checking by the Transport Authorities and both the Ministries would take penal action against deviants.
In the case of Delhi, the Delhi Transport Authority would collect taxes from the Government approved Tour Operators / Tourist Transport Operators on behalf of concerned states, based on type of vehicle, travel itinerary and tax structure prevalent. These taxes would be collected as separate drafts and Delhi Transport Authority would issue a composite permit allowing vehicles to move freely throughout the concerned states, on the circuit. All the concerned state governments for the duration of its validity would honour the permit.
The new arrangement would not only boost the tourist inflow in the region but also would be beneficial for the States to plug in revenue leakage. The Government approved Tour operators and Tourist Transport Operators are very enthusiastic about this arrangement by which they clear many hurdles in inter-state movement, in one stroke. Needless to say, the reduction in travel time by eliminating en – route hold ups is expected to bring in greater tourists satisfaction also.

Mobile recharge coupons now available at stations

travelmail — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:07:51 +0000

breakingtravelnews.in BTNIndia
The Ministry of Railways has decided that the rechargeable coupons for mobile phones would be made available for the benefit of the passengers at the STD/PCO booths at Railway Stations. As per the decision, all Zonal Railways are being permitted to allow sale of recharge coupons from the existing STD/PCO booths at the Railway stations which opt for selling the recharge coupons on payment of the following additional license fee as per the category of the station.
Category of Station Additional License Fee per month
A-1 and A Rs. 500/-
B and C Rs. 300/-
D, E and F Rs. 200/-
The STD/PCO booths opting for the scheme will be required to display a sign indicating that “recharge coupons for mobile phone are available” and will not be allowed to display the name of service provider companies.
The above approval is being initially granted for a period of one year upto June 30, 2011 only. Thereafter, the scheme will be reviewed by the Railway Board on the basis of detailed information regarding number of booths opting for the scheme, additional license fee realized etc. to be received from all Zonal Railways.

26 schools to offer Hospitality and Tourism Vocational Course

travelmail — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 11:17:14 +0000

breakingtravelnews.in BTNIndia
26 CBSE schools have opted for “Hospitality and Tourism” as a vocational course from the current academic session 2010-11 under a pilot project. A MoU to offer Hotel Management and Catering Technology courses for XI and XII class students in Central Board of Secondary Education schools was signed between National Council for Hotel Management & Catering Technology (NCHMCT), New Delhi and Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Delhi on Tuesday, July 20, 2010. Following is the list of CBSE schools offering “Hospitality and Tourism” as a vocational course.
Kendriya Vidyalayas: Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh), Kamla Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh).
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas: Ratibad, PO Suraj Nagar, Distt. Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Dhanansu, Distt. Ludhiana (Punjab), Theog, Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), Kherli PO Bhandarej Distt. Dausa (Rajasthan), Pipersand, PO Sarojini Nagar, Distt. Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), Gargarkote, Suyalbari Distt Nainital (Uttarakhand), Kolara Kalan Distt Agra (Uttar Pradesh), Gajokhar, PO Parasara Distt. Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Satari, Valpoi Distt. North Goa (Goa) Cuttack (Orissa), Hamirpur (Himachal Pradesh), Anantnag (Jammu & Kashmir), Ambala (Haryana), Rohtak (Haryana), Panipat (Haryana), Saraikela (Jharkhand), Nalbari (Assam), South Sikkim (Sikkim), Bishnupur (Manipur).
Central School for Tibetan: Darjeeling (West Bengal), Chotta Shimla, Shimla (Himachal Pradesh).
Schools of Delhi Government: Sarvodaya Bal Vidyalaya, Delhi Cantt, Sarvodaya Vidyalaya, FU Block, Pitampura, SCSD Govt. Sarvodaya Vidyalaya, Sec IX, Rohini.

Kumari Selja seeks support to expand the reach of Hospitality Education

travelmail — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:45:34 +0000

breakingtravelnews.in BTNIndia
The Tourism and Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Minister Kumari Selja said that the contribution of tourism to the country’s GDP was 5.92% and contribution to employment (both direct and indirect) was 9.24% for the year 2007–08.
She was speaking at a function organized for signing of MoU between National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT) and Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in New Delhi today.
She said that as per a survey conducted in the year 2004, the Industry requires about two lakh-trained persons annually. As against this, the supply is only 18000 persons, which effectively came to only 12000 persons after reckoning the attrition. She said, this huge skill gap in the Industry is cause of serious concern and the Government has to find means to negotiate huge skill gap which is affecting the hospitality sector.
She said that it is expected that by the year 2022, we will have about five million educated persons with tourism specific skills. This number will constitute direct employment in the Industry. The MoU, therefore, is an instrument that will significantly contribute to the realization of inclusive growth.

Railway revenue earnings up by 3.44%

travelmail — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:57:47 +0000

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The total approximate earnings of Indian Railways on originating basis during the period from July 1 to 10, 2010 were Rs. 2267.35 crore compared to Rs. 2191.91 crore during the same period last year, registering an increase of 3.44 per cent. The total goods earnings have gone up from Rs. 1445.45 crore during the period from July 1to 10 July 2009 to Rs. 1503.83 crore during same period, showing an increase of 4.04 per cent. The total passenger revenue earnings during the period were Rs. 684.22 crore compared to Rs. 666.37 crore during the same period last year, reflecting an increase of 2.68 per cent. The revenue earnings from other coaching amounted to Rs. 63.16 crore during this period compared to Rs. 56.49 crore during the same period last year, showing an increase of 11.81 per cent.
The total approximate numbers of passengers booked were 218.70 million compared to 210.09 million during the same period last year, showing an increase of 4.10 per cent. In the suburban and non-suburban sectors, the numbers of passengers booked were 115.03 million and 103.67 million compared to 110.56 million and 99.53 million during the same period last year, registering an increase of 4.04 per cent and 4.16 per cent respectively.

3151 VoAs were issued during January to June 2010

travelmail — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 15:49:16 +0000

breakingtravelnews.in BTNIndia
The total numbers of 3151 Visa on Arrival (VoAs) were issued during the period January to June, 2010 for the nationals of Singapore (1040), Finland (802), New Zealand (768), Japan (521) and Luxembourg (20). Total number of VoAs issued during June, 2010 were 401; Finland (66), Japan (68), New Zealand (108), Singapore (156) and Luxemburg (3). During the six month, the maximum number of VoAs were issued at Delhi airport (1663), followed by Mumbai (689), Chennai (635) and Kolkata (164).

Railway provide increased accessibility on IRCTC website

travelmail — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 13:05:49 +0000

breakingtravelnews.in BTNIndia
In a significant initiative to remove the difficulties faced by ordinary common users in accessing the IRCTC website for booking Tatkal tickets and ordinary tickets over internet in the first hour of the booking on the opening day, the Ministry of Railways has decided to bar travel agents, web-service agents/web agents of IRCTC from accessing the website during that period.
Under this decision, which is expected to provide increased accessibility of the IRCTC website to the ordinary users, following instructions have come into operation:
a) Travel agents/web-services agents/web agents of IRCTC will not be given access to Tatkal booking, through e-ticketing on all days between 8 am to 9 am.
b) Travel agents/web-services agents/web agents of IRCTC will not be given access, through e-ticketing, to trains defined in the system on their respective opening day of Advance Reservation Period (ARP), between 8 am to 9 am.
This passenger friendly measure comes in the wake of a large number of complaints regarding IRCTC website not becoming accessible to common users at the time of the commencement of the Railway reservation booking in the morning, making it difficult to book e-ticket and Tatkal on-line.
In addition, a drive has also been launched for a period of one fortnight at all major reservation offices to conduct special checks between 7.30 am to 9 am to prevent touts/unscrupulous elements from cornering the seats/berths in the first hour of the opening day of the advance reservation period.

Sachin Pilot launches mobile services at 13,500 Ft. high Amarnath Shrine

travelmail — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:38:26 +0000

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The Union Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology Sachin Pilot launched BSNL’s mobile services at Holy Amarnath cave today. He made the first call to N.N. Vohra, Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, from the Holy cave. The Yatra route, so far not served by any telecom operator, would enjoy telecom services for the first time. Congratulating BSNL for challenging task of providing connectivity to the shrine at a height of 13,500 ft, the Minister said that Department of Telecom would continue to improve infrastructure and services in Jammu and Kashmir.
Eleven towers have been put up at Baltal-I, Baltal-II, Baltal Base Camp, Noonwan, Lakipora, Betab Valley, Domail, Sangam/Holi Cave, Panchtarni, Chandanwari and Chandanwari Base Camp – of which some are on motorable road some are on pony track. Reiterating the commitment of the BSNL to provide telephone services throughout the country, including geographically difficult areas, the Minister said, over 4 lakh pilgrims who visit the shrine every year, especially the old and the infirm may stay connected to their families while undertaking the Yatra. Connectivity would also benefit local inhabitants, administration, and security forces and people visiting the area.
At present, BSNL has 8.72 lakh mobile connections in Jammu & Kashmir and has 1299 mobile towers through which it is offering mobile services in the State. BSNL provides connectivity to 95.22% of National Highways passing through Jammu & Kashmir, 73.32% of the State Highways and 100% railway routes.

Performance of Tourism Sector during June 2010

travelmail — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:56:16 +0000

breakingtravelnews.in BTNIndia
Ministry of Tourism compiles monthly estimates for June 2010 of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India and Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEE) on the basis of data received from major airports.
• FTAs were 3.70 lakh in June 2010 as compared to 3.42 lakh during the month of June 2009 and 3.42 lakh in June 2008.
• There has been a growth of 8.0 % in June 2010 over June 2009 as compared to a growth of 0.2 % registered in June 2009 over June 2008. The growth of 8.0 % in June 2010 is lower than the growth of 15.5 % in May 2010. But the number of FTAs in June, 2010 increased to 3.70 lakh from 3.44 lakh in May, 2010.
• FTAs during the period January-June 2010 were 26.32 lakh with a growth rate of 10.8 %, as compared to 23.76 lakh and a negative growth rate of 9.0 % during January-June 2009 over the corresponding period of 2008.
Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEE) in Indian Rupee terms and US $ terms
• FEE in June 2010 was Rs.4751 crore as compared to Rs.3801 crore in June 2009 and Rs.3409 crore in June 2008.
• The growth rate in June 2010 over June 2009 was 25.0 % as compared to growth rate of 11.5 % in June 2009 over June 2008.
• FEE during the period January-June 2010 were Rs.31373 crore with a growth rate of 27.1 %, as compared to Rs. 24693 crore with a negative growth of 4.4 % during January -June 2009 over the corresponding period of 2008.
• FEE during the month of June 2010 were US$ 1020 million as compared to FEE of US$ 796 million during the month of June 2009 and US$ 796 million in June 2008. The growth rate in FEE in June 2010 over June 2009 was 28.1 %.
• FEE during the period January-June 2010 were US$ 6842 million with a growth rate of 36.6 % as compared to US$ 5007 million with a negative growth of 21.6 % during January – June 2009 over the corresponding period of 2008.

Kumari Selja unveils Code of Conduct for Safe and Honourable Tourism

travelmail — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:57:22 +0000

The Union Minister for Tourism, Kumari Selja addressing after unveiling the Code of Conduct for Safe & Honourable Tourism in New Delhi.

breakingtravelnews.in BTNIndia
The Union Minister for Tourism, Kumari Selja today unveiled the code of conduct for Safe and Honourable Tourism in New Delhi.
Speaking on the occasion, Kumari Selja said, even though such code of ethics for tourism has earlier been developed by world bodies like UNWTO, the code of conduct unveiled today is based on meeting country’s futuristic needs and challenges. This code of Conduct was developed by Ministry of Tourism in association with PATA India Chapter, Save the Children – India, United Nations Office on Drugs & Crimes (UNODC) and Equitable Tourism Option (EQUATIONS).
The minister said that ‘Safe and Honourable Tourism’ aims to strengthen the critical pillar of ‘Suraksha’ (Safety) and ensure that Indian tourism follows international standards of safe tourism practices, applicable for both tourists and local residents. Its central objective is to ensure that tourism activities are undertaken, integrating the need to protect the dignity, safety and the right to freedom from exploitation of all tourists and local residents involved in or impacted by tourism. She said “In today’s scenario, following safety guidelines is not just about adhering to the provisions of the seven pillars but also implies good business. As the demand from travellers for safe and secure tourism services increases, this code will assist signatories to build capacities among their services chains and personnel so as to be able to respond to this demand.”
She said that “This code of conduct shall be applicable to all the owners, suppliers, contractors, employees of the travel and tour sector including hotels, restaurants, lodges, guest houses, tour agents, entertainment establishments etc. In addition it shall be applicable to service providers like event management organizations, entertainment providers, transport operators like taxis, buses, tour guides and other services or agencies associated with the tourism sector.” She further added that “This is not a legally binding instrument but a set of guidelines for the tourism industry. In addition to these guidelines, included in this code are key messages that signatories are encouraged to use.”
The Minister said that her Ministry has been running the social awareness campaign under the theme “Athithi Devo Bhavah” which also addresses issues relating to treating our women travellers with dignity. A similar campaign needs to be initiated to sensitize the incoming tourists to refrain from indulging in any such activity which might disturb the social fabric of the country.
Kumari Selja urged all the stake holders to adopt the code at the earliest.