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Seamless movement on Golden Triangle route

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

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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.

3151 VoAs were issued during January to June 2010

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

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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).

Performance of Tourism Sector during June 2010

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

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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.

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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.

Special attention on hotel and hospitality sector: Sultan Ahmed

travelmail — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:57:14 +0000

The Minister of State for Tourism, Sultan Ahmed presenting the Chef Award 2009 (PHD CC) to a charity PHD in New Delhi.

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The Minister of State for Tourism, Sultan Ahmed said that tourism plays an important role in developing as well as developed countries. The sector accounts for 11% of the GDP and 8% of employment globally. Leading Tourism Organizations, including WTO and WTTC have declared Indian tourism as the fastest growing at a rate of about 8%.
While speaking at a Chef Award 2009 function and presentation of cheques to the two charity organizations Plan India and PHD Family Welfare Foundation (PHDFWF) in New Delhi today, he said that India’s performance in tourism sector has been quite impressive. During the period 2002 to 2009, India witnessed as increase in the Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) from 2.38 million to 5.11 million. Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) from tourism increased from 15,064 crore in 2002 to 54,960 crore in 2009.
Mr Ahmed said that the number of domestic tourist visits to the States/ Union Territories during 2009 was 650 million as compared to 563 million in 2008 and 527 millions in 2007. Hotel and Hospitality sector plays an important role in the growth and sustainability of tourism sector in the country.
He said that the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved broad basing hospitality education. Vocational schools, polytechnics, universities and colleges would be involved to meet the growing demand of trained manpower in hospitality sector. Revised guidelines for the Scheme of Assistance to Institute of Hotel Management and Food Craft Institutes have also been issued. He said the Ministry intends to set up 19 State IHMs and 25 State FCIs in the 11th Plan Period.

Domestic Tourism registers an impressive growth during 2009

travelmail — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 16:20:54 +0000

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Market Research Division of Ministry of Tourism compiles data on domestic and foreign tourist visits to States/UTs during 2009.
Domestic Tourist
The number of domestic tourist visits (DTVs) to the States/ UTs was 650 million during 2009 as compared to 563 million in 2008 and 527 millions in 2007, registered an increase of 15.5% during 2009 over 2008 as compared to increase of 6.9% in 2008 over 2007.
The top ten States in terms of number of DTVs (in millions) during 2009 were Andhra Pradesh (157.5), Uttar Pradesh (134.8), Tamil Nadu (115.8), Karnataka (32.7), Rajasthan (25.6), Maharashtra (23.7), Madhya Pradesh (23.1), Uttarakhand (21.9), West Bengal (20.5) and Gujarat (15.9).
The contribution of top 10 States was about 88% to the total number of DTVs during 2009. The percentage shares of top 5 States were Andhra Pradesh (24.2%), Uttar Pradesh (20.7%), Tamil Nadu (17.8%), Karnataka (5.0%) and Rajasthan (3.9%).
Foreign Tourist
The number of foreign tourist visits (FTVs) to the States/ UTs was 13.7 million during 2009, as compared to 14.1 million in 2008 and 13.3 million in 2007, registered a decline of 2.8% during 2009, over 2008 as compared to an increase of 6.4% in 2008 over 2007. This decline in FTVs is similar to the trend of the decline of 3.3% in the foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) during 2009.
The top ten States in terms of number of FTVs (in millions) during 2009 were Tamil Nadu (2.37), Maharashtra (2.0), Delhi (1.96), Uttar Pradesh (1.53), West Bengal (1.18), Rajasthan (1.07), Andhra Pradesh (0.80), Kerala (0.55), Bihar (0.42) and Himachal Pradesh (0.40).
The contribution of top 10 States was about 90% to the total number of FTVs in the country during 2009. The percentage shares of top 5 States were Tamil Nadu (17.3%), Maharashtra (14.6%), Delhi (14.3%), Uttar Pradesh (11.25) and West Bengal (8.6%).
Data show that domestic tourism registered an impressive growth of 15.5% in 2009 inspite of economic recession and other adverse factors for tourism. On the contrary, FTAs and FTVs registered a decline of 3.3% and 2.8% respectively during the same period. This brings out the importance of domestic tourism in the overall tourism development in the country.

Monsoon update

travelmail — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:25:44 +0000

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Southwest monsoon has further advanced into some more parts of Konkan, Goa, Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada, Vidarbha, most parts of Telangana, some parts of Chhattisgarh, remaining part of Coastal Andhra Pradesh, some more parts of Orissa and Genetic West Bengal. Condition are favorable for further advance of southwest monsoon into remaining parts of central Arabian Sea, some parts of north Arabian Sea and south Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Orissa and West Bengal, Jharkhand and Bihar.
Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) Guidance states that Monsoon flow over Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify during next two-three days. The western disturbance will affect western Himalayan region and adjoining plains during next three-four days.
A major feature of weather forecast for next three days as per midday bulletin of India Meteorological department suggests widespread rain/thundershowers would occur over Kerala, Lakshadweep, Coastal Karnataka and Konkan and Goa. Fairly widespread rain/thundershowers would occur over Interior Karnataka, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, West Bengal, Sikkim, northeastern states and scattered over Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu, Vidarbha, Bihar, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. Scattered rain/thundershowers would occur over Jammu & Kashmir and isolated over Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand during next 48 hours and increase thereafter. Isolated dust storm/thunderstorms may occur over Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Rainfall activity would increase over Uttar Pradesh after 48 hours. Isolated rain/thundershowers would occur over Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh during next 24 hours and increase thereafter.
Maximum temperature will increase by about 1-2°C over parts of northwest and Central India during next 48 hours.

Progress of Tourist Visa on Arrival Scheme

travelmail — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 18:05:09 +0000

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As a facilitative measure to attract more foreign tourists, the Government has launched a Scheme of Visa on Arrival (VoA) from January 2010 for the citizens of five countries; Finland, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand and Singapore visiting India for tourism purposes.
During the period January – May 2010, a total number of 2750 VoAs were issued under this Scheme for the citizens of Singapore (884), Finland (736), New Zealand (660), Japan (453) and Luxembourg (17). The maximum numbers of VoAs were issued at Delhi airport (1491), Mumbai (600), Chennai (509) and Kolkata (150).
Total number of VoAs issued during May, 2010 were 405 to the citizens of Finland (81), Japan (67), New Zealand (139), Singapore (116) and Luxemburg (2).

Performance of Tourism Sector during May 2010

travelmail — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:51:11 +0000

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Ministry of Tourism compiles monthly estimates of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) and Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEE) during the month of May 2010 on the basis of data received from major airports.
FTAs -3.45 lakh (May 2010), 2.99 lakh (May 2009) and 3.04 lakh (May 2008)
There has been a growth of 15.5% in May 2010 over May 2009 as compared to a negative growth of 1.9% registered in May 2009 over May 2008. Growth rate during May 2010 (15.5%) is much higher than during April 2010 (1.7%).
FTAs during the period January-May 2010 were 22.63 lakh with a growth rate of 11.3 %, as compared to the 20.33 lakh and a negative growth rate of 10.4% during same period in 2009 over the corresponding period of 2008.
Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEE) from Tourism in Indian Rupee terms and US $ terms
FEE – Rs. 4358 crore (May 2010), Rs. 3249 crore (May 2009) and Rs. 2988 crore (May 2008).

The growth rate in rupee terms in May 2010 over May 2009 was 34.1% as compared to growth rate of 8.7 % in May 2009 over the May 2008.
FEE during the period January-May 2010 were 26622 crore with a growth rate of 27.4%, as compared to Rs. 20892 crore with a negative growth of 6.8% during the same period in 2009 over the 2008.
FEE in US$ terms during the month of May 2010 were US$ 951 million as compared of US$ 669 million in May 2009 and US$ 711million in May 2008.
The growth rate in US$ terms in May 2010 over May 2009 was 42.2% as compared to the negative growth of 5.9 % in May 2009 over May 2008.
FEE during the period January-May 2010 were US$ 5822 million with a growth rate of 38.3% as compared to US$ 4211 million with a negative growth of 24.7% during the same period in 2009 over the 2008.

MoT announces Scheme of Interest Subsidy

travelmail — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 11:46:59 +0000

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In view of the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, Delhi – 2010, the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) has introduced an Interest Subsidy Scheme for the Upgradation of Guest Houses in the NCT of Delhi.
The Scheme would be effective from immediate effect and would apply to all Licensed Guest Houses in the NCT of Delhi which have been approved by the Department of Tourism, Govt. of Delhi / MoT, Govt. of India as per the schemes for Approval of Guest Houses. The Interest Subsidy would be applicable for loans taken to upgrade the existing facilities which are allowed as per the prevailing civic bye-laws of DDA / MCD / NDMC etc. In order to be eligible for the Interest Subsidy, the permissions, if any, of the concerned civic authorities on civil works to be undertaken (wherever applicable) should be obtained by the Guest House.
The Interest Subsidy would be applicable to loans for upgradation of rooms (flooring, furniture like bed, table, chair, luggage rack / cupboard, bathroom fixtures including WC and wash basin, geyser, RO machine for drinking water, A/C, electric light fittings), common areas like lobby / reception area, façade and infrastructure development like supply of electricity, water and installation of solar heating and lighting etc. The Guest House would require to incur a minimum of 7.5 % of the loan amount availed from the Financial Institution towards the improvement / beautification of façade / outside improvements, synages, lighting etc. as per the permissible norms.
Since the proposed Interest Subsidy scheme is meant for the upgradation of Guest Houses, the subsidy will be applicable for loans that are sanctioned and first installment released up to July 31, 2010 with the upgradation works to be completed by September 20, 2010 before the Commonwealth Games. A certificate of completion of the upgradation works is to be furnished by the FI. The subsidy will be released on quarterly basis by the MoT directly to the Financial Institution / Scheduled Bank on submission of claim in the prescribed manner.
Interest Subsidy proposals will take into account number of rooms as licensed by MCD / Delhi Police. MOT would provide Interest Subsidy on loan of maximum Rs. 2 lakh per room basis. Guest House may seek higher loan but the payment of Interest Subsidy would be calculated at Rs. 2 lakh per room subject to an overall upper limit of Rs. 60 lakh per Guest House.
The scheme will be operated through TFCI, Scheduled and Nationalized Banks. The interest on loan would be charged as per policy of the Financial Institution (FI) and the rate of interest charged by the FI and the terms and conditions of the loan agreement between the lender and the borrower would be as per the Government policy.