President s Desk. Balloon Safari at Taj in November 2015

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1 President s Desk MTOA Newsletter Last week, I had the privileged opportunity to attend Visit Rajasthan, an event organized by The Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of Rajasthan (FHTR) and Rajasthan Tourism at Nehru Center, Mumbai as the Chief Guest. This event was a great initiative of Private Hotel / Tour operators and the Government Tourism Board to visit different places in Rajasthan and promote the state effectively. This event was held for two days from the 26th to 27th October 2015 with B2B invitations to tour operators across Mumbai and Maharashtra. It was well supported by MTOA, IATO, Hotel & Restaurant Association of Rajasthan (HRAR), Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA) and Rajasthan Association of Tour Operators (RATO).This was the first time that such a road show was being organized in multiple cities of India offering a wide range of products ranging from heritage, adventure, wildlife, medical tourism, leisure, eco-rural, M.I.C.E., pilgrimage as well as other segments. I have no doubt that this endeavor will provide an excellent exposure to the best tourism products from Rajasthan, all under one roof. At the same time it will provide unique opportunity to Hotels and Tour Operators interested in the rapidly growing tourism market in Rajasthan to create and expand their business portfolio. In the course of the event, the trade discussions we emphasized on few important points like the fact that the Tourism Infrastructure is by far the most superior in the state of Rajasthan therefore positively supporting Tourism growth. The hotel room inventory is Rajasthan can cater to large number of tourists right from Domestic to Inbound and offers wide range of accommodation options like Heritage hotels, Havelis, Palaces Stays and lndian as well as International chain of Hotels. The availability of air strips in smaller towns and airports in major cities like Jaipur and Jodhpur provide excellent connectivity for those who prefer air travel. We need to push airlines to give more connectivity to Rajasthan from different Metros. One concern which was raised during the event was the recent changes that have been implemented in rail bookings. As per the new provision, bookings open 120 days in advance, this proves as a deterrent since most people now a days plan their holidays last minute and as such the option to plan a holiday based on railway is rarely preferred. This has led to a drop in the number tourists in the mid segment during season. Also there is not enough support from the Railways toward Tour Operators in terms of block bookings etc. The discussions concluded with the stress on promotion of domestic tourism in the state which is possible for almost nine months in a year. Visit Rajasthan was indeed a great showcase of the varied tourism products the state has to offer and the travel trade looks forward to such events. Here s wishing you all a very Happy Diwali and a Prosperous New Year! May we have a great holiday season ahead with happy travellers and successful tours. Balloon Safari at Taj in November 2015 To boost leisure/adventure tourism and aviation based entertainment in the state, Department of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh in association with Sky Waltz will be hosting TAJ Balloon Festival in Agra from November 14 16, 2015, as per a release. The Festival will feature 15 balloons from across countries like the UK, USA, Spain, Germany and more.

2 Aussie Specialist Programme relaunches Tourism Australia has launched the revamped version of its Aussie Specialist Programme (ASP) in India. Based on an extensive review undertaken with travel agents, the online training programme includes a new digital platform as well as training resources which will be shared by Tourism Australia and all eight of its state and territory tourism partners. The three phase interactive and engaging programme will highlight the tourism offerings available in Australia, thereby making it a one-stop-platform for all travel partners. Commenting on the launch, Tourism Australia Country Manager Nishant Kashikar said, The revamped version will consist of interactive training modules, itinerary suggestions, factsheets, latest industry news updates, destination FAQs and an interactive map. The site works across all tablets and mobile devices. In addition to the new website, a team of Aussie Specialist trainers is being recruited to help provide face-to-face training in key markets for frontline travel sellers. Soon Goa will have its new Airport!!! Air China non-stop between Mumbai and Beijing The Centre has given a green nod for development of the Rs 3,000 crore new international airport project at the Mopa village in Goa. The greenfield airport, to be developed in four phases, will have annual passenger capacity of 13.1 million within 30 years, by It will serve both the tourism and business markets, according to a PTI report. As per the recommendation of the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC), the Ministry of Environment hereby accords environment clearance (EC) for the project greenfield international airport at Mopa, the Union Environment Ministry said in the EC letter written to the Government of Goa. The environment clearance has been given to the project subject to the compliance of certain specific and general conditions, the letter said. In the first phase, the state government has proposed to develop one runway, with half parallel taxi-way, three runway exits by 2020 to accommodate passenger capacity of 4.4 million. Air China has started nonstop services on Beijing-Mumbai route from October 25, The four weekly Beijing Mumbai flights, operate on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. The flights takeoff from Beijing at 19:40 local time and land in Mumbai at 01:00 the next day. The return service leaves India at 02:30 Mumbai time. The upcoming service from mainland China to Mumbai will spare travellers departing from Beijing the trouble of connecting through Hong Kong, Bangkok or Singapore. This service means Air China now offers eight weekly nonstop flights between China and India and will also bring the total number of Asian-Pacific destinations served by the Chinese carrier to 17. Sad Demise of Mr. Nazir Ahmed Bakshi who has lions share to bridge the gap of tourism between Maharashtra and Kashmir. Prominent businessman and former president of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Nazir Ahmad Bakshi passed away after brief illness in New Delhi late last evening. He was 75. Family sources said his body was brought to Srinagar this afternoon. Hundreds of people from different walks of life participated in his funeral prayers. Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed and cabinet ministers Naeem Akhtar and Syed Altaf Bukhari also joined the funeral prayers. Bakshi was suffering from respiratory problems for the past some time, family sources said, adding that he breathed his last at 9.30 pm at Apollo hospital on Sunday.

3 Explore an Underwater Photography Career Beneath the shimmering surfaces of oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers lies an awe-inspiring world. This world is vastly different from our own, with fascinating creatures, bubbling landscape, and in some cases man-made treasures that haven t been seen in centuries. Only a select few have had the pleasure of witnessing this different dimension with their own eyes. The rest of us just have to settle for pictures. Underwater photography enables the average person to get a small peek at this beautiful world. Some underwater photographs might capture marine wildlife, like fish and plants, while other underwater photographs may focus on the landscape. Underwater photography also allows humans to capture images of long forgotten man-made structures and objects, like ships or jewelry. Since most cameras aren t equipped to be exposed to water, special underwater cameras must usually be used. These cameras are typically enclosed in waterproof cases. Photographers who shoot underwater must also be trained divers. First and foremost, an underwater photographer must learn how to dive safely. Although, this may be possible using nothing more than a face mask and snorkel tube, the majority of underwater photographers choose to become certified SCUBA divers. Contrary to popular belief, SCUBA is actually an acronym, which stands for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. During SCUBA training, divers are taught how to breathe underwater using a SCUBA tank, which is a metal tank that contains compressed air. When a valve is opened on the tank, it sends oxygen through a tube and into the diver s mouth. Safety is extremely important while diving as well. Diving students learn about several different safety precautions, including how to rise to the surface and what to do if their oxygen tanks malfunction. Once an underwater photographer becomes a certified SCUB diver, he will do just what other photographers do they take photographs. In order to take these photographs, however, underwater photographers must use special equipment. This includes cameras that are usually sealed in watertight plastic containers. Since light bends and reacts differently when it passes through water, special flashes are also usually necessary when taking photographs underwater. Underwater photographers must make sure that this equipment is in top condition before diving. The waterproof cases should not be damaged, since this can cause water to leak in and ruin the equipment. An underwater photographer can take pictures of several different things once he s below the surface. Some photographers may choose to concentrate on marine wildlife, for example. This can include animals such as fish, dolphins, and turtles, as well as underwater vegetation. An underwater photographer might also choose to focus on things like underwater wreckages or ruins, such as sunken ships or lost cities. A few underwater photographers might also choose to focus on people as their subjects. Advertisements, for example, will sometimes call for photographs of models underwater. Thrill seekers and other divers might also want their photographs taken to help capture memories of their adventures. Taj Santacruz, Mumbai to open on 8 November The 279-room Taj Santacruz, Mumbai is set to open doors on November 8, Just minutes away from the most important commercial and business districts with easy access to the airport, Taj Santacruz, Mumbai features 279 rooms, including luxury and junior suites. The hotel offers inaugural special rates on Luxury Rooms, starting from Rs 8,500 (exclusive of taxes). The hotel houses three restaurants and a bar, including the Riviera style Mediterranean food at Rivea, Mumbai street food and global comfort food at Tiqri, the classic Golden Dragon and evening cocktails at the Tiqri Lounge.

4 Stay of the Month Gholvad, Dist Dahanu Save farm is located at about 130 kms from Mumbai, in north Konkan region of Maharashtra state. It was established in 1970, on a barren piece of land. We, the Save family, opted for this land only because of our financial limitations. It was a great challenge for us to develop this infertile and eroded land in to a horticultural orchard you can see today. With consistent scientific efforts and innovative implementation of latest technology, we were able to convert this once neglected land in to a lush green productive farm. IBIS Hotel, Nashik IBIS Nashik is an ideal choice for business and leisure travellers with 123 contemporary rooms, 24/7 F&B, a meeting room, gymnasium and a guarantee of quality and service. With a range of modern guest friendly services, Ibis Nasik offers an ergonomically designed workplace, digital safe, hair dryer, tea-coffee maker and an in room refrigerator. Business is easier with wi fi connectivity, car rentals and car parks. Our state of the art security system reinstates our concern for your security.

5 MTOA General Secretary Mr. Atul Mohile with Hon ble Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Mr. Shivraj Singh Chauhan in Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart. MTOA committee member Mr. Dhiraj Nishar witnessed the inauguration ceremony of Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart. MTOA Newsletter has been published by MTOA at its Office Veena World, Mahalaxmi Estate, L. J. Cross Road No. 1, Mahim (W) Mumbai President Shri. Sudhir Patil Gen. Secretary Shri. Atul Mohile Chief Editor Shri. Amol A. Hendre MTOA President Mr. Sudhir Patil at Rajasthan Road Show in Mumbai.