JAPAN - A BIG FAN OF KERALA

KUMAAR HOLIDAYS

No. 42, Chowdary Nagar Main Road, Valasaravakkam, Chennai-87

Cell: 78109 86933 / 78108 96933 / 96000 76933

E-mail: kumaarholidays@gmail.com

www.kumaarholidays.com

Kerala's tradition of ayurveda and its unique backwaters have found numerous admirers in Japan where these were showcased at the state's theme pavilion at one of the biggest travel events in the world.

The JATA Tourism Expo, held Sep 25-28 at the Tokyo Big Sight, the biggest convention centre in Japan, saw heavy footfall at the Kerala pavilion throughout the fair duration.

Describing the response as "tremendous", Kerala Tourism director Sheik Pareeth said the Japanese tour operators and the public were eager to know more about Kerala.

"Most of the enquires about Kerala came for ayurveda treatments and backwater cruises," he said.

A large group of Japanese tourists planning their maiden trip to India next month ended up opting for 'God's Own Country' after being won over by Kerala Tourism's promotional campaign at the fair. The group is planning to visit Kerala in October .

It is for the second time that Kerala took part in JATA which saw participation by as many as 970 travel and tourism companies from the 47 prefectures of Japan, along with delegations from over 150 countries.

Kerala Tourism had also conducted a hugely successful roadshow in Kuala Lumpur, the commercial capital of Mayalsia, in its first-ever entry into the South East Asian country.

Indian Ambassador to Japan Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa, who visited the Kerala pavilion at the JATA Tourism Expo, offered the embassy's support in promoting Kerala in the East-Asian island nation.

"Kerala is largely an unexplored holiday destination for the Japanese who are generally great travellers," said Wadhwa.

Japan Airlines, the Japanese national carrier, is considering a code-sharing arrangement with an Indian domestic airline following the huge response to Kerala's destinations from the Japanese travel sector. At present, Singapore and Malaysia serve as transit points to fly to Kerala.

Besides Kerala, Goa was the only other state tourism board to participate in the JATA 2014.

Last year, more than 8,000 tourist from Japan visited Kerala.

Change your location 

and you just  may change yourself

ALCOHOL PROHIBITION - HEAVY LOSE TO KERALA TOURISM

KUMAAR HOLIDAYS

No. 42, Chowdary Nagar Main Road,

Valasaravakkam, Chennai-87

Cell: 7810986933 / 7810896933 / 9600076933

E-mail:kumaarholidays1@gmail.com

www.kumaarholidays.com

After the news of impending prohibition, God's Own Country is counting its losses: the state could lose a hefty chunk of its around Rs23,000-crore annual tourism revenues even as tour operators, preparing for the busy winter season, are at their wits' end, wondering how to break the news to their clients.

"It will be difficult to explain this. We are expecting some cancellations," says a tour operator, who does large international group bookings for Kerala. The Congress-led United Democratic Front government, after a long meeting at the chief minister's official residence on Thursday, proposed to make Kerala alcohol-free in 10 years.

About 15% of all foreign tourists coming into India checked into Kerala, which translated into total revenues, both direct and indirect, of around Rs23,000 crore in 2013. Online travel agencies say it will also impact domestic travel to Kerala and many people planning a winter trip to the destination might now change their plans. A lot of corporate conferences that are planned in Kerala may also be shifted elsewhere. Domestic tourists to the state stood at 1.08 crore in 2013, while there were over 8.58 lakh foreigners who visited Kerala last year.

Crist Inman, executive director, Raxa Collective, the management arm of Muthoot Leisure and Hospitality, says the state's current restrictions on alcohol sales are worrying hoteliers. "Right now, we have a beer and wine licence at one of our properties — Cardamom County in Thekkady — and the challenge of maintaining that licence combined with the monopoly-cost of product is already so high. If the restrictions get tighter and if the state goes dry, Kerala would lose tourism as an important source of value-add to the economy," he says.

The ministry of tourism has proposed that 4 and 5-star hotels in the state need not necessarily have a bar that serves alcohol on the premises. Tourism minister Shripad Naik said 5 and 4 star hotels can now be classified as star hotels with or without alcohol. But the hotels must make it clear on their websites about the services they provide.

Under the guidelines of the tourism ministry, till now, alcohol was essential for hotels seeking classification under the categories of 4 star, 5 star, 5-star deluxe, etc. This decision would provide flexibility to hotel owners and management staff to take a considered decision on whether to offer alcohol service or not in their units.

Tour operators are particularly worried about business during the winter season. "We are expecting some cancellations. We will have to apprise our clients of the situation," says Rajeev Kohli, joint MD of Creative Travel.

ALCOHOL IS THE 
CAUSE AND THE 
SOLUTION TO MANY
OF LIFE'S PROBLEMS

 

KUMAAR HOLIDAYS

No. 42, Chowdary Nagar Main Road,

Valasaravakkam, Chennai-87

Cell: 7810986933 / 7810896933 / 9600076933

E-mail:kumaarholidays1@gmail.com

www.kumaarholidays.com

HISTORIC AGREEMENT BETWEEN KERALA TOURISM DEPARTMENT & UNESCO

Kumaar Holidays

No. 42, Chowdary Nagar Main Road,

Valasaravakkam, Chennai-87

Cell: 78109 86933 / 78108 96933 / 93810 61000

 E-Mail: kumaarholidays@gmail.com

www.kumaarholiays.com

Kerala Tourism has signed an agreement with UNESCO to begin a historic cooperation between the state and the world's foremost cultural organisation in promoting and protecting the ancient Spice Route heritage.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Kerala Tourism Secretary, Suman Billa, and UNESCO Director and Representative to India, Shigeru Aoyagi, in the presence of State Tourism Minister AP Anil Kumar and KM Chandrasekhar, Vice Chairman, Kerala State Planning Board.

The MoU signed on 01.08.2014 seeks to formalise a framework of cooperation in the areas of cultural heritage protection and promotion in the state.

"The Spice Route project is a new milestone in the growth of tourism in Kerala. It is a revival of the ancient spice route that connected 31 countries," Anil Kumar said.

"For the project to be successful, it needs the support from all the 31 countries. That is why we have sought the cooperation of UNESCO," he said.

Under the agreement, the Spice Route Initiative of the state government will form the bedrock of the cooperation and partnership between the two sides along with protection of promotion of historical areas of Kerala.

Several historical areas of Kerala linked with the ancient Spice Route, including urban areas, will be developed under the agreement to promote the aim of heritage building.

MOST OF OUR HERITAGE 

COME FROM OUR CULTURE

Kumaar Holidays

No. 42, Chowdary Nagar Main Road,

Valasaravakkam, Chennai-87

Cell: 78109 86933 / 78108 96933 / 93810 61000

 E-Mail: kumaarholidays@gmail.com

www.kumaarholiays.com

DELAYED MONSOON EFFECTS KERALA TOURSIM

KUMAAR HOLIDAYS

No. 42, Chowdary Nagar Main Road, 

Valasaravakkam, Chennai-87

Cell: 78109 86933 / 78108 96933 / 93810 61000

E-mail: kumaarholidays1@gmail.com

www.kumaarholidays.com

Kerala Tourism is seeing setback due to the delayed and low rainfall this monsoon season. Kerala, the God’s own Country, which is well known to tourists as a place flooding with greenery and mild environment that can provide a perfect rejuvenating ambiance to anyone seeking shelter in this wonderful land is having black clouds hovering over its tourism industry. 

The delayed rainfall and the weak rain measuring only 433.1mm till Friday has adversely affected the state. The rejuvenation packages designed mainly considering the monsoon season has not found firm soil this season.

The month of June and July which is made special by the monsoon rain is considered as the peak and best suitable season for the Ayurvedic Treatment. People from different parts of the country as well as abroad flock in the state during this time. 

To help the tourist benefit more from their trip the tour operators link their services to rejuvenation packages along with the Ayurvedic Treatment Package and also special kietary plans. But due to the weak rainfall during this year’s Southwest monsoon which had hit the state on June 6^th the tour operators are still hoping to be busy like recent years.

A manager of Kochi based tour operating company said that they usually got quaries related to the rejuvenation packages during the half end of June but this year they had none. However few managers of company offering Ayurvedic treatment said that few queries have crept in during this season. Many other tour operators said that the Arabs who visited the state to escape from the heat every year are no longer countable as ‘repeat clients’. 

The tour operators added that the NRI who sensed the call of the motherland in the form of rain and who were comfortable with monsoon weathers are their major clients. Apart from the NRI, the tour operators also give credit to honeymooners and other small groups who take advantage of the reduced rates for maintaining the inflow.

 

This year monsoon has given bolt from the blue to the tourism industry of the state. It is hard to believe that the state which have been promoting packages and trading aggrevesively during the monsoon season for the last five years have suddenly faced crisis of visitors this year. It is expected that in 2013 Kerala witnessed 29,758 foreign and 744,703 domestic tourists which accounted to 5% and 7% rise respectively compared to the previous year.

Even though the Kerala Tourism Officials are hopeful for the future. One of the official said that that it is early start of the monsoon. There is more time as the monsoon days continue till the end of September. They have many more plans to execute to yield the best of the monsoon season in these four months. They are mainly focusing on Ayurvedic packages and the rejuvenation packages.

 

Similarly, Raghudasan M, additional Director of Kerala Tourism, expressed himself by saying that the tourist’s location doesn’t affect the Ayurvedic Treatment that is offered in their special Ayurvedic Treatment Package so this could be taken as an additional advantage to promote the business.

Another desitination, Wayanad, well known for its wildlife and adventure trails too saw the same grim face.

 

Everybody wants happiness

Nobody wants pain

but you can't have a rainbow

without a little rain

 KUMAAR HOLIDAYS

No. 42, Chowdary Nagar Main Road, 

Valasaravakkam, Chennai-87

Cell: 78109 86933 / 78108 96933 / 93810 61000

E-mail: kumaarholidays1@gmail.com

www.kumaarholidays.com

AIR & SEA - KERALA TOURISM PROMOTION TOOLS

KUMAAR HOLIDAYS

No. 42, Chowdary Nagar Main Road,

Valasaravakkam, Chennai-87

Cell: 78109 86933 / 78108 96933 / 93810 61000

E-mail: kumaarholidays@gmail.com

Website: www.kumaarholidays.com

 

 

Kerala is taking many initiatives to promote tourism in the state. The state has earned fame by its heart capturing beauty long ago.

 

It has done much more to become a hub for beauty and adventure seekers. The innovative plan of hop- on hop- off boat service and the water taxi is a step further to gain its place as a tourist hub.

The State Tourism Minister, A.P. Anilkumar, said that the service is expected to start in August at Kochi and Muziris heritage sites. He added that initially 25 seater AC boats for the Kochi Heritage site was planned but later it was extended to Muziris as well so that a circular service at regular intervals could be maintained.

The hop- on hop- off boat service and the water taxi is expected to cover major tourist attracting places like High Court Jetty, Marine Drive, Bolgatty Palace, Vypeen, Fort Kochi and Mattancherry.

Another innovative idea in the field of tourism that will be implemented during the next two years is the Spice Route Project, he said. This project aims to share the rich heritage among 31 countries along the ancient route.

It is believed that the Spice Route Project will increase the number of foreign tourists visiting Kerala to trace the historic journey. The State Tourism Minister expected the project will play significant role in promoting heritage and peace.

 

TRAVEL BRINGS POWER & LOVE 

BACK INTO YOUR LIFE

 

 

KUMAAR HOLIDAYS

No. 42, Chowdary Nagar Main Road,

Valasaravakkam, Chennai-87

Cell: 78109 86933 / 78108 96933 / 93810 61000

E-mail: kumaarholidays@gmail.com

Website: www.kumaarholidays.com

 

PRECAUTION IS A GOOD REMEDY TO AVOID ACCIDENT

KUMAAR HOLIDAYS

No. 42, Chowdary Nagar Main Road,

Valasaravakkam, Chennai-87

Cell: 78109 86933 / 78108 96933 / 93810 61000

E-mail: kumaarholidays1@gmail.com

http://kumaarholidays.com

Travelling is fun but sometime it could turn out to be a deadly encounter its not to create paranoia or rumor but the deadly encounters that people had faced during a venture could not be overlooked therefore our sole intention is to provide a safety tips and not to paralyze a growth of tourism.

We here solemnly considering criminal and thugs and not the department of tourism because everyone loves to travel in fact it has become a part of life in modern day our main concern is just to provide you some safety tips while travelling.

So the very first thing you are require to do is get a complete data about the destination you are travelling better plan with a renowned travel agent for a best package try to get accustom to their culture before you mark your presence.

Level your mark of attention try to be alarm and cautious don’t let your conscience ruin you be smart be a responsible tourist do not go without plan or package do all the research that is require to do and be well in tune before you pay your visit.

On your arrival if you have already done a booking of hotel ask them to send you a cab so that you could reach your inn without any problem but remember do call them prior to your arrival as a reminder.

Don’t loiter around and don’t be an alien try and act like you know everything about this place be conscious but don’t be over smart try and be formal and friendly with all do not talk with stranger and if you sense any problem or trouble around you than try and get into a crowd.

Please remember to have a phone number of a local police there so that you could avert any encounter always try and wear a loose outfit do not be a fancy customer and also do not be a busy guide try and calm down and enjoy environment without troubling anyone.

Let your silence do a talking carry a map and guide your way according to its direction and if you are confuse try and hop into some good restaurant and ask them about the place or to clear your doubt.

Be familiar and it’s better to learn some foreign language so that they could understand you better do not mess around with fools and avoid to walk alone if you are with your family stick around and let it be a joint venture.

Do not get entice into a fraud promises be smart as the criminal could be aware of your moves try not to carry your valuables and if you are carrying your purse do not show it in your hand cause they could be eyeing at it.

While shopping remembers to tag along with any of your team and before you arrive its best to have some training related with martial art so that you could prevent any of the encounter.

Be familiar and be safe an above mentioned tips are not to discourage tourism but its solemnly put its focus on a safe ride and secure venture.

 

TRAVEL IS THE ONLY THING YOU BUY

THAT MAKES YOU RICHER

KUMAAR HOLIDAYS

No. 42, Chowdary Nagar Main Road,

Valasaravakkam, Chennai-87

Cell: 78109 86933 / 78108 96933 / 93810 61000

E-mail: kumaarholidays1@gmail.com

http://kumaarholidays.com

PLEA TO RESTRUCTURE LIQUOUR POLICY

KUMAAR HOLIDAYS

No. 42, Chowdary Nagar Main Road,

Valasaravakkam, Chennai-87

Cell: 78109 86933 / 78108 96933 / 93810 61000

E-mail: kumaarholidays1@gmail.com

Website: www.kumaarholidays.com

The Tourism Industry Coordination Council has urged the state government to totally restructure the liquor policy by amending rules.

Various associations representing tourism industry has proposed total deregulation in production and distribution of liquor in the state stating that uncertainty in formulating liquor policies, confusion in implementing the regulations and restricting the licenses only to 5 star hotels will severely hit the tourism industry.
In a statement here, Johny Abraham George, President, Kerala Travel Mart, Gopinath, President Association of Approved and Classified Hotels of Kerala and Jose Dominic, Past President KTM and TIE Kerala, urged the government to amend the rules in the liquor policy and provide licences to one star hotel and reinstate the issuance of licence to leading restaurants.

The license fees for Bars should be brought down to Rs 10 lakh and Rs 5000 for Beer and Wine parlours, the council said.

The council also urged issuance of licences to house boats, home stays, serviced villas and major restaurants which will boost the industry.

The government's plans to limit liquor permits only to 5 star hotels will not help the industry, it said, adding, majority of tourists depend on other hotels and resorts and denial of liquor will make it less attractive.

Kerala Government had recently refrained from renewing the licenses of 418 bars in the state stating that they had to upgrade themselves.

CANDY IS DANDY,

BUT LIQUOR IS QUICKER!

KUMAAR HOLIDAYS

No. 42, Chowdary Nagar Main Road,

Valasaravakkam, Chennai-87

Cell: 78109 86933 / 78108 96933 / 93810 61000

E-mail: kumaarholidays1@gmail.com

Website: www.kumaarholidays.com