Tuesday 31 December 2013
Thursday 26 December 2013
Monday 23 December 2013
Thursday 19 December 2013
Hilton Garden Inn, Trivandrum all set to open - iKeralaTourist.com
Trivandrum all set to launch the first Hilton
brand property in the state, ‘Hilton Garden Inn’ Trivandrum. The property will
officially opens on Dec 27, 2013 with 134 guest rooms and suites and 2600 sq ft
of event space. Located near the state secretariat, Punnen Road, statue,
Trivandrum. Hilton Garden Inn Trivandrum will be managed by Hilton Worldwide
and Muthoot Hotels & Infrastructure Ventures (P) Ltd. According to Mr. Guy
Hutchinson, Vice President, Operations - India of Hilton Worldwide, “The
opening of Hilton Garden Inn Trivandrum will be a significant step in Hilton
Worldwide’s expansion into prime city centre locations across India. India is a
key strategic market for Hilton Worldwide. Presently, we operate hotels and
resorts in Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Chennai, Vadodara, Pune, Goa, Shillim and
now Trivandrum. Over the next eight to 10 months, we anticipate extending our
portfolio to include Bangalore, Agra and Jaipur.” Other amenities consist of
Garden Grille all-day restaurant, a bar, outdoor pool, fitness centre and 2,600
sq ft of conference and events space that can accommodate up to 450 people,
complimentary internet access, 24-hour business centre and 24-hour Pavilion
Pantry convenience mart. The Muthoot Pappachan Group is delighted to partner
with Hilton Worldwide, a global leader in the hospitality industry, for its
foray into Trivandrum and the introduction of the Hilton Garden Inn brand in
Kerala and Trivandrum.
Thursday 5 December 2013
India-Japan Tourism Expo to be held in Delhi on January 2014
The
first ever India-Japan Tourism Expo will be organized in New Delhi on January
21-22, 2014, with the backing of the Japan Tourism Authority (JTA) and the
Indian Tourism Ministry. The expo, which will also have a screening of an Akira
Kurosawa film, music and cultural performances by renowned artistes from India
and Japan followed by banquets and a festival of Indian food, will be an
international platform for networking between 300 top tour and travel companies
from India. Groups like Taj Hotels, Oberoi, ITC, Lalit, Leela Kempinski and
travel houses like Cox & Kings, Mercury Travels, Kuoni and SOTC will
participate in it. CEOs of Indian carriers like Air India, SpiceJet, Jet Airways,
Indigo, Go Air and Japanese carriers, apart from tourism ministry officials,
will also be at the expo. http://indojapantourexpo.com/
Tuesday 3 December 2013
Goa overtakes Kerala as best Leisure Destination
International
travel magazine Conde Nast has chosen Goa as the best leisure destination in
the country overtaking Kerala. The erstwhile Portuguese colony was awarded as
the best leisure destination by the Conde Nast Traveller India's Readers'
travel awards, a statement from the Goa Tourism issued on Friday said. The
award comes after the state, famous for its beaches, watersports, offshore
gambling and cheap alcohol, reported a 10 percent rise in tourist arrivals, the
statement said. With safety of women being a concern, the Goa Tourism said the
BJP-governed state has resolved to fight the menace and will be introducing
women taxi drivers during the peak arrival season which is set to begin soon. The
women taxi services will be available in the capital Panjim, and other major
cities like Margao, Mapusa and Vasco, exclusively for women passengers and
families, it said. The tourism season in the state will start with upcoming
Feast of St Francis Xavier that will be celebrated at the Basilica of Bom
Jesus, Old Goa on December 3, it said.
Thursday 28 November 2013
Comment from one of our esteemed Guest Mr. Jibin Jose - iKeralaTourist.com
“Hello
Aneesh, Hope you are doing well. First of all thank you very much for your
service and help which made a part of our vacation more enjoyable and relaxing.
We never encountered any problems dealing with hotels and resorts that you have
already handled it efficiently before our arrival. My opinion is that staying
at The Zuri for a night isn't enough to make use of what The resort offers. i
wish i could have stayed there for one more night. But my schedule was so tight
that i couldn't spend another extra day at the resort. So that i advise you to
bring up this suggestion to your customers in the future to stay at Zuri for at
least 2 nights. Once again thank you very much. Your service is so impressive
that we will be doing business again in the future.” - Thank
you very much Jibin
Wednesday 27 November 2013
Thursday 21 November 2013
Dubai welcomes over 7.9 million visitors in first nine months of 2013
Dubai’s hotels enjoyed a busy first nine
months of the year, welcoming over 7.9 million visitors between January and
September 2013, a 9.8 per cent year-on-year increase. The latest visitor number
results, released by Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing
(DTCM) on the sidelines of World Travel Market (London, UK), show increases
across hotel establishment guests, room occupancy levels, hotel and hotel apartment
revenues and average length of stay, all key factors in order for Dubai to
achieve its Tourism Vision for 2020. During the first nine months of the year,
guest numbers across all hotel establishments (hotels and hotel apartments)
reached 7,941,118, a 9.8 per cent increase year-on-year. Hotel room occupancy
averaged 78.6 per cent over the nine month period, up 3.1 per cent compared to
the same period in 2012 and hotel apartment occupancy also saw steady growth,
up 7.3 per cent to 81 per cent, compared with 75.5 per cent in the first nine
months of 2012. Increasing the length of stay has been identified as a key
driver of tourism growth within the Tourism Vision for 2020 and these results
were also positive with the average length of stay across hotels and hotel
apartments between January and September rising 3.5 per cent year-on-year to
3.9 days. Hoteliers and hotel apartment operators experienced significant
growth in revenues, with total revenues for the first nine months of the year
up by 17.1 per cent, reaching AED15.33billion. Total guest nights also recorded
similarly impressive rises, up 13.7 per cent to 30,874,916 from 27,163,974 in
the first nine months of 2012.
Wednesday 20 November 2013
Kerala named among Top Ten Holiday Destinations
Travel
guides publisher Lonely Planet has named Kerala among the world's 10 best
destinations for taking the Family on a holiday in 2014. The Lonely Planet's
award for the best family destination was bestowed on 'God's Own Country' at
the World Travel Mart in London, the world's leading travel trade event
attended by industry representatives from across the globe, a statement issued
in Thiruvananthapuram said. The World Travel Mart, which began on November 4, concluded
on Thursday. Kerala Tourism director S. Harikishore, who led the state
delegation to the World Travel Mart, received the award from Lonely Planet.
Former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes was among the thousands who visited
the Kerala pavilion at the World Travel Mart. The pavilion showcased Kerala as
the Home of Ayurveda.
Monday 4 November 2013
A Secret Scrolls message From The Secret Daily Teachings The tighter you try and hold on to something that you are afraid of losing, the more you are pushing it away. Those thoughts are filled with fear, and if you continue to persist, what you fear the most will come upon you. Fear nothing - just think about what you want. It feels so much better! May the joy be with you, Rhonda Byrne The Secret... bringing joy to billions
Sunday 3 November 2013
Kovalam gearing up for upcoming Peak season
Kovalam, one
of the renowned beach destinations in the world, is all set for the next peak
tourist season after a heavy and extended monsoon. After the rains, the golden
sands at the three crescent-shaped beaches of Kovalam are back and so are the
multihued beach umbrellas, surf boards and cots. Meanwhile, Kerala Tourism is
on a mission to revamp Kovalam to attract more foreign tourists. As part of
this facelift programme, the Edakkal rocks, which are sandwiched between the
Eve’s and the Lighthouse beaches at Kovalam have already been developed as a
sunset viewpoint. Besides, the work of a facilitation centre at the parking lot
on the Eve’s Beach is nearing completion. Also, to find a permanent remedy to
the management of garbage disposal, the District Tourism Promotion Council
(DTPC) has provided biogas plants to around 100 households in and around
Kovalam. Installing ornamental lights and streetlights are other major works,
which are currently underway. The DTPC has also renovated the park near the
entrance of Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) Hotels and Resorts’
Hotel Samudra at a cost of Rs. 4.5 million. A sunset view tower and pavilion
have also become part of the facilities at Kovalam.
Saturday 2 November 2013
Thursday 31 October 2013
“Kerala Health Tourism”- An International Conference and Exhibition on Health Tourism
The Indian
healthcare industry is undergoing a phenomenal expansion and India is now
looked upon as the leading country in the promotion of medical tourism. It is critical that all stakeholders realize
its importance and give more attention to the state of growth of this stream. To
promote medical tourism in Kerala, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) with
support of Government of Kerala is planning to organize “Kerala Health
Tourism” - An International Conference
and Exhibition on Health Tourism on 31 Oct – 2 November 2013 at Hotel Le Meridien, Kochi, Kerala. The
program would aim to create awareness about Kerala as Medical Tourism
destination in the International arena by assembling all stakeholders together
in a single platform and showcasing their products and services to the overseas
delegation from medial tourism source destinations. The program would be used to brainstorm the
preparedness required by all the stakeholders and also to enhance business
linkages. The program would witness all stakeholders sharing their views and
charting action plan towards the upliftment of Health Tourism in Kerala.
Wednesday 30 October 2013
Abu Dhabi's Hotels witness Record Month
Figures
released by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) reveal a
19 per cent increase in visitors to Abu Dhabi last month. The destination's
hotels welcomed 226,002 guests in September, generating 714,577 nights, an
increase of 26 per cent. September's guest intake means in the first nine
months of this year, 1,981,732 guests stayed in Abu Dhabi's 148 hotels and
hotel apartments - a 14 per cent increase on 2012. Guest nights achieved from
January to September end came in at 6,195,319 - up 25 per cent year-on-year. Average
length of stay for the first nine months has risen 10 per cent to 3.13 nights. Average
room rate in Abu Dhabi in the first nine months of this year has fallen two per
cent on 2012 and now comes in at £70 (AED419).
Tuesday 29 October 2013
JAMAICA , A LOVER’S TRYST – World’s Most Romantic Destination
Whether it’s a honeymoon vacation, a lovers’
tryst, or a getaway designed to rekindle a romance, there are certain
expectations that come along with travelling as a couple. From five-star hotels
and luxury beach resorts to charming boutiques and exotic locales, Jamaica ranks
high among the world’s most romantic destinations. This big hearted land boasts
of sumptuous cuisine, seductive beaches, crystal blue waters, natural beauty,
romantic ambiance and idyllic collection of wedding venues. Jamaica offers all
– inclusive hotels, intimate inns, lush private villas or pampering resorts,
every accommodation to fit every desire. Jamaica was named World’s most Romantic
Destination at the Grand Final of the World Travel Awards 2012 which was held
in India. In addition to winning the award for World’s Most Romantic
Destination, Jamaica was recognized for the Seventh consecutive year as the
World’s Leading Cruise Destination. With sparkling waterfalls and rivers,
romantic sunsets, majestic mountains and countless natural landscapes to arouse
the senses, Jamaica is the perfect destination for a Romantic Getaway.
Monday 28 October 2013
Sunday 27 October 2013
Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces named best hotel chain in India
Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is proud to
announce its success at being named the Best Hotel Chain in India at the UK
Business Traveller Awards 2013. It is for the second consecutive year that the
group has been awarded this title. Voted for by UK readers of Business
Traveller magazine as part of its annual readers’ poll, the awards are widely
recognised as a benchmark for excellence in the industry, rewarding companies
whose products and services are of immeasurable value to readers. This accolade
demonstrates the sterling effort of all at Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces in
continuing to provide exceptional services to its clients. The Business
Traveller Awards were announced on 15 October 2013 at the Royal Garden Hotel,
London. A full list of winners will be printed in the November issue of
Business Traveller.
Thursday 24 October 2013
British Airways to launch Sixth direct Flight on London-Chennai route on Oct 27, 2013
Will complete 25 years of
operations to Chennai on November 3 -
In order to offer more options to travellers
from both cities, British Airways will start its sixth direct service on
London-Chennai route on October 27, 2013, as per a release. The flight will
operate six-days-a-week, except Thursday. This will take the total number of
weekly flights to the five cities of India to 48. The airline will deploy
Boeing 777-200 aircraft on the route, with three-class configuration, offering
flat beds in Club World, World Traveller Plus and World Travellerseats.
Flight Schedule:
Flight Schedule:
Destination Flight
Number Departure
Arrival
London to
Chennai BA 35 0930 hrs
0100 hrs
Chennai to
London BA 36 0400 hrs 0935 hrs
Wednesday 23 October 2013
Kempinski Ambience Hotel wins Best Business Hotel Award 2013
Kempinski Ambience Hotel in New Delhi was
recently awarded with ‘Best Business Hotel 2013’ by Safari India. The event was
sponsored by World Travel Forum and Pacific Area Travel Writers Association
(PATWA), a travel writers’ organisation representing members from all over the
world, to recognise leadership quality in the hospitality and tourism fields,
as well as work done by the respective State Government. Vella Ramasawmy,
General Manager, Kempinski Ambience Hotel, said, “This is our first business
hotel award, and it is especially important to us because it signifies that our
efforts and progress are recognised by our hospitality and travel peers. He
added, “Kempinski Ambience Hotel Delhi is a pioneer in the business travel
segment and this award encourages us to continue to offer high-quality
services.”
Kerala Tourism Road Shows begin in US
In view of the increasing number of visitors
from Europe, Kerala Tourism is now looking across the Atlantic to significantly
boost foreign arrivals in the state. The department is holding Three Road Shows
at major cities in the United States this month to enter the American market in
a big way, an official release here said. The first Two road shows were held at
New York and Chicago in the last couple of days, which would be followed by the
last road show in Los Angeles on Thursday. The United States is the Fourth
major market for Kerala Tourism after the United Kingdom, France and Germany,
Tourism Minister A P Anilkumar, who is leading a delegation of government and
industry representatives from the state to the US, said. "An increase in
arrivals of visitors from the biggest economy in the world will be a
significant factor for the growth of tourism in the state". It is for the
first time Kerala Tourism is organising road shows in the United States.
Monday 21 October 2013
Friday 18 October 2013
Our new Office Address - iKeralaTourist.com
iKeralaTourist.com
No. 11/44
Near Vettikkavu Temple
Seaport-Airport Road
Cochin - 682 309
No. 11/44
Near Vettikkavu Temple
Seaport-Airport Road
Cochin - 682 309
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