Page 176 - Hospitality Recreation

Ministry of Tourism launches Incredible India digital calendar

In line with the government's Digital India initiative, Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge) and Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, K.J Alphons launched the Incredible India digital calendar in New Delhi on Wednesday.He also released the Incredible India wall and desk calendar for 2018.The Incredible India digital calendar application enables users to know about the events and festivals happening in India on the go.The digital calendar can be downloaded on Android and iOS platforms.The Incredible India digital calendar contains all exclusive features of any digital calendar making it a perfect travel planner on the go.This digital calendar can also be used as a personal planner.It also has information on festivals and events happening in the country and will also allow user to create and manage personal events, get regular notifications on the upcoming festivals and events, allow set up of customize reminders for individual events, share the ...

Bangkok eatery serves insects in fancy meals

Insects ranging from huge black beetles to grasshoppers and silkworms form a major part of the menu of an eatery on the outskirts of Bangkok.

Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur tops Travellers' Choice awards

Indicating that India achieved a strong presence globally in terms of hospitality, Umaid Bhawan Palace Jodhpur in Rajasthan has been ranked third in the category of TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards for Hotels. Umaid Bhawan Palace Jodhpur has also been ranked number nine in the Luxury category and number 17 in Best Service category. Travel site TripAdvisor's 'Travellers' Choice awards for Hotels' are determined on the millions of reviews and opinions collected in a single year from travellers worldwide. In the 16th year of the awards, TripAdvisor has recognised 8,095 properties in 94 countries and eight regions globally. The awards celebrate hotel winners in the categories of Top Hotels Overall, Luxury, Bargain, Small, Best Service, B&Bs and Inns, Romance, Family and All-Inclusive. India has registered strong presence on the global stage with four hotels winning seven awards in the World list across 'Top', 'Luxury', 'Best Service', 'Small' and 'Inns and B&Bs'

New fitness channel to have content by Shilpa, Yuvraj

Fitness Studio, a new fitness channel by Airtel Digital TV, will have content including exclusive programmes by popular fitness icons like Shilpa Shetty Kundra and Yuvraj Singh.

M/o Tourism streamlines hotel classification guidelines

Ministry of Tourism has streamlined the hotel classification guidelines to make them simple, transparent and time bound.The application for classification and payments of fees have been made through digital platform only and the prevalent options of application by post and payment of fees by Demand Draft has been done away with.This has ensured the eradication of possibility of delay/manipulation caused by human interference.Similarly, the time limit for ensuring compliances on deficiencies of a hotel, the prevalent system had an open ended scope without any prescribed time limit. The recent amendments have included a time limit of three months, thus removing any discretion in the matter.This will ensure a time bound compliance and speedy disposal of cases.The amendments have made it clear that liquor shops/liquor stores in the premises of the hotel other than bars will not be considered for classification under star hotels "with alcohol" category, to remove any ambiguity.It has been .

Thailand hosted 1.4 mn Indian tourists in 2017

Thailand welcomed over 35.3 million international visitors in 2017, of which 1.4 million were Indians making the country fifth largest source market for the South Asian country. In 2017, over 1.4 million Indians travelled to Thailand which is over an 18 per cent increase from last year, a release issued here has said. India ranks among the top five in terms of of visitors to Thailand after China, Malaysia, Korea and Laos. "This year we will focus on promoting women, family and first time travellers for the Indian market," Tourism Authority of Thailand Director Soraya Homchuen said. She said, Thailand is also gaining popularity for its diving sites and adventure activities. The new campaign 'Open to the New Shades of Thailand' aims to pay more attention to unique local experiences and inclusive tourism, reflecting "Thainess" and the Thai people's warmth in welcoming visitors, Santi Chudintra, Deputy Governor for International Marketing (Asia and the South Pacific) ...

Military bands to hit the right notes at Bharat Parv at Red Fort

Performances by military bands and cultural troupes from various states will add more flavour to the public celebrations from January 26-31 at the Red Fort here, after the Republic Day Parade, where 'Bharat Parv' will be organised.

Tata Housing launches 'Vertillas' Ultra-luxury Residences at Primanti in Gurugram

Tata Housing, one of the leading real estate development companies in India, today announced the launch of 'Vertillas' - an ultra-luxury residence at Primanti in Gurugram. Themed on intelligent design, 'Vertillas' is a two storey development that consists of five bed residences with a private elevator, garden and a plunge pool.Among the key features that define intelligent design of Vertillas is naturally - lit column which allows natural light and air to seep into every corner. The basement parking is remote-controlled that ensures more green spaces outside. The spa and sauna at the community clubhouse is a perfect place for rejuvenation.The massive common areas integrated with automated security features around the residences offers spaces for memorable parties."Luxury housing in India is as dynamic as the evolving buyer segment that represents it. Today, the preferences and requirements of luxury home buyers have moved from common amenities to private offerings. Catering to their ..

Special train from Santragachi to Puri on Jan 25

To clear extra rush of passengers, South Eastern Railway will run one pair of superfast special train between Santragachi and Puri on January 25. While the train to Puri from Santragachi will leave on January 25, the return train will leave Puri on January 26, an SER spokesman said today. The Santragachi-Puri Special (02809) will leave Santragachi on January 25 at 7.00 pm and reach Puri at 3.20 am the next day. In the opposite direction, the train (02810) leaving Puri on January 26 at 1:30 pm will arrive at Santragachi at 10.15 pm on the same day. The special train will consist of eight AC-3 Tier and eight sleeper class coaches and will stop at Kharagpur, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur Keonjhar Road, Cuttuck, Bhubaneswar and Khurda Road between Santragachi and Puri, the spokesman said.

Play with jackets to create multiple looks

When you think of a versatile outfit, a classic jacket is probably the best garb you can think of and it is certainly the most popular choice so build up your best look with this outfit.

Conference on sustainable devp of marine tourism on Jan 27

The Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) will host a day-long conference in Goa on January 27 to discuss about sustainable development of the marine tourism industry in the state. Marine tourism is a key trend gaining popularity in the tourism sector, both in terms of scope and economic contribution. Goa has 105 kms of beautiful coastline and more than 255 kms of navigable waterways, a spokesman of the CII said in a release here. Being a key destination for domestic and international tourists, there is a significant potential for development of marine tourism in Goa, he said. "Our mission is sustainable development of marine tourism which is largely under-tapped," the spokesman said. The marine tourism industry in Goa comprises water sports, boat cruises for picnics, scuba diving, snorkeling, line-fishing and dolphin watching, he said. Diving is largely centred around the coral-laden Grande Island in Vasco, while dolphin watching takes place mainly at Sinquerim Bay ..

Nick Jonas always carries a suit

American pop star Nick Jonas says he always travels with a suit just in case he needs to wear one.

Opt for tassels, anklets for beach honeymoon

With beaches becoming the most preferred honeymoon destination, pack in funky and colourful tassel jewellery and chunky anklets, suggest experts.

We haven't taken care of our beaches as much as Australia has: Parineeti Chopra

Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra unveiled her holiday videos in Australia and celebrated India's Republic Day and Australia Day on Tuesday.

Annual foreign tourist arrivals cross 10-million mark: Alphons

For the first time, annual foreign tourist arrivals in the country have crossed the 10- million mark in 2017, Tourism Minister K J Alphons said today. Speaking at a function organised by the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT) in Noida, the minister said that foreign tourist arrivals saw a growth of 15.6 per cent in 2017 over 2016. Tourism in India alone earned USD 27.7 billion (approximately Rs 1,80,379 crore) in 2017 and contributed 6.88 per cent in the country's GDP, he said. The sector also contributes 12.36 per cent in terms of total employment. "Foreign tourist arrivals have crossed the 10-million mark for the first time with an annual growth of 15.6 per cent in 2017. This sector is poised for phenomenal growth in the coming years owing to new holistic policies of the government, especially grants of e-visa and visa on arrival for specified countries," the minister said. Foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) in 2017 were 10.18 millions .

India amongst top 5 list of highest number of visitors to Thailand

Thailand welcomed over 35.3 million international visitors in 2017 and earned 1.82 trillion Baht in tourism revenue. The precise number of overseas tourists visiting Thailand in 2017 was 35,381,210; showing an increase of 8.77 percent over 2016.India ranks in top five list of highest number of visitors to Thailand after China, Malaysia, Korea and Laos. In 2017, over 1.4 million Indians travelled to Thailand which is over 18 percent increase from last year.The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Mumbai showcased its new campaigns 'Open to the New Shades of Thailand' and 'Amazing Thailand Tourism Year 2018' at OTM 2018 held in Mumbai from 18th- 20th January 2018. Around 22 agents from Thailand participated in OTM this year, this included Hotels like Aonang Princeville Resort & Spa, Golden Tulip Sovereign Hotel, Bangkok, Royal Cliff Hotels Group, Ramada Phuket Deevana and many more along with other DMCS and entertainment companies like Phuket Aqua Project, Phuket FantaSea Public Co.

Taj Mahal to open before sunrise

The Taj Mahal, a world heritage monument in Agra, will now open 30 minutes early for visitors -- from Thursday.

Get stylish with trendy colour of 2018

Considered a complex hue by many, ultra violet holds loads of potential to jazz up any boring look with the utmost panache. Be it with ethnic styles or with the western look, experimenting with this vibrant colour will make the feminine beauty stand out and create a powerful statement amidst the blacks, reds and whites.

Kerala Tourism wooing visitors from Europe

In an effort to attract more visitors to the state from Europe, diversified products will be showcased by Kerala Tourism, which has set apart Rs 7.5 crore for promotional activities. Kerala Tourism minister, Kadakkampally Surendran, said the state's tourism department has activated a rigorous promotional campaign involving diverse products to promote the state in Europe as it holds the top slot in the list of high potential markets for overall tourism growth. Highlighting the growth of state tourism, Rani George, Secretary, Tourism and Culture, stated that through this promotional and marketing campaign, the state aims to double the foreign tourist arrivals by 2021, a press release said. The latest tourist arrival statistics have shown very "positive" signs of attaining this goal. As many as 10,18,986 new domestic tourists were added during the time period of January to September 2017 as compared to the same period of previous year. As a result, the domestic tourist ...

Bieber's mother breaks foot during vacation

Pop star Justin Bieber's mother Pattie Mallette has broken her foot while on a vacation in Maldives with her son.