Kathak brings Curtains Down on Old Fort Dance Festival

New Delhi, Oct 12, 2015:  After five days of breathtakingly beautiful performances showcasing India’s most loved classical dance forms, the Old Fort Dance Festival ended today with a memorable performance by legendary Kathak exponent Pandit Birju Maharaj, and his group of dancers.

One of the most noted exponents of Kathak, Pandit Birju Maharaj has received numerous accolades over the years including Padma Vibhushan, Sangeet Natak Academi Award and the prestigious Kalidas Samman.

Presented by the Sahitya Kala Parishad & Department of Art, Culture & Languages, Government of Delhi, the Old Fort Dance Festival was loved and enjoyed by the people of Delhi who turned up in large numbers to witness the performances.

Over five days, the audience of dance lovers in the capital witnessed brilliantly choreographed performances in Mohiniyattam, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Odishi and Kathak, with the majestic ruins of Delhi’s Purana Qila providing a fine ambience to this unique festival celebrating India’s classical dance forms.

“The repertoire of Indian classical dances represents centuries of culture and tradition that has been preserved and sustained by generations of devoted exponents and earnest artists. Across the globe, Indian classical dance forms are appreciated and loved by dance lovers. Such festivals help extend the reach of classical dance forms to not just connoisseurs of dance but also to common people,” says Pandit Birju Maharaj.

On the sidelines of the festival, critically acclaimed artist Manav Gupta displayed his latest installation – a waterfront of Ganga made out of chilams and diyas which are elements of nature. He has been working since long to create public art sculptures that generate concern towards sustainability. “This innovative art practice with potter’s clay (chilams and diyas) represents the tool as a means of getting intoxicated with the rain of love and also explores sustainable development,” said Mr. Gupta.

The five-day festival of choreographies in classical dance forms saw participation from legendary dance artists and their groups in multiple dance forms including Kuchipudi exponents Bharati Shivaji, Raja and Radha Reddy; veteran Odissi exponent and Padma Shri Madhvi Mudgal; Bharati Shivaji & Group who performed Mohiniyattam; and noted Bharatnatyam exponent Leela Samson and her group.

“The idea behind the Old Delhi Dance Festival to juxtapose cultural heritage with structural heritage was a wonderful concept. The Purana Qila presents a poignant background to the performance of India’s most notable classical dance forms, some of whom originated centuries back in ancient and medieval times,” says Ms Leela Samson.

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Maharashtra No. 1 State for its Tourism potential

Mumbai: The survey compiled by HVS in association with the World Travel & Tourism Council, India Initiative (WTTCII) rated Maharashtra after analysing the state-wise potential of Travel and Tourism in India, and assessing the relative competitiveness of different states in the country.

The evaluation has been carried out for 30 states. Maharashtra ranks 1 in this year's survey moving up one position from the previous edition. The state benefits from a strong economy, good infrastructure, presence of a sizeable quantum of branded hotel rooms and a variety of demand generators to occupy these rooms. In line with these factors, Maharashtra has recorded perfect scores in four parameters – tourist visits, GSDP per capita, effectiveness of marketing campaign and aircraft movement. The state has performed well across all other parameters with the exception of its expenditure on tourism.

Ms Valsa Nair Singh, Secretary State Tourism and Cultural Affairs, GoM, said, “We are proud of being ranked as No 1. This recognition is prestigious, as Travel and Tourism is an integral part of our economy and we are happy that we stand as number one in attracting tourists. This is a team effort, through innovative promotional campaigns, marketing strategies, planned - focused and aggressive ideas we have reached such milestones and we are motivated to do better every day. Our recent thumping success of MITM attracted global buyers and sellers and we are confident to grow over the magic numbers in coming years, making Maharashtra number one destination on the world map.”

As per the Tourism Highlights 2015 Edition report by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the total number of International Tourist Arrivals (ITA) worldwide was 1,133 million in 2014, India attracted 0.67% of the world's international tourist arrivals out of which Maharashtra attracted 4.5 million tourists from foreign countries and over 8.4 million domestic tourists, which is largest than any other state in the country.

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Corporate Events - Business News This Week

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Devendra Fadanvis inaugurates Maharashtra International Travel Mart

Mumbai 28th September 2015: The Government of Maharashtra’s ambitious international tourism promotion project, Maharashtra International Travel Mart 2015 - popularly known as MITM – was launched today amid the huge number of buyers and sellers of the tourism industry from various countries. The first ever edition of MITM, which is set to take Maharashtra’s robust tourism growth story on a global level was launched today at the gracious hands of Hon. Shri Devendra Fadanvis, Chief Minister, Maharashtra State.

Among eminent dignitaries present at the occasion were Hon. Prof.Shri Ram Shinde, Minister of State for Tourism, Home (Rural), Public Health and Marketing, Hon. Shri Subhash Desai, Minister of Industries, Maharashtra State, Hon SmtVidya Thakur, Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Hon Shri GajananKirtikar, Member of Parliament, Shri Swadhin Kshatriya, IAS, Chief Secretary, Maharashtra Smt. Valsa Singh Nair, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism & Culture, Maharashtra State, Shri ParaagJaiinNainuttia, IAS, Managing Director, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC).

A three-day event, Maharashtra International Travel Mart is a flagship global tourism promotion platform conceived by the Department of Tourism, Maharashtra State to attract buyers and sellers of tourism industry from all across the globe to explore common growth opportunities in the robust tourism prospects of Maharashtra. A single forum of MITM witnessed an exciting response from the global tourism stakeholders with more than 250 registrations coming in from hoteliers, travel agents and tour operators from abroad and India.

A strategic promotional forum of MITM assumes a special significance; particularly when Maharashtra Tourism is going through an exciting phase with ever increasing footfalls from global and domestic tourists crossing the 4.5 million and the 8.4 million mark in the recent past. It also bears a great significance when the State Tourism Department and its flagship agency MTDC have been   strategically building and promoting the unexplored tourism wealth of Maharashtra besides boosting conventional tourism assets on Indian and global circuits.

On the occasion of the inauguration of the first edition of MITM, 2015, said SmtValsa Singh Nair, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Maharashtra State, “While the Government of Maharashtra is intending to bring the State tourism on a global map, it becomes imperative to build further on the existing credentials of the State as the most preferred tourism destination and explore avenues to consolidate its positioning. With vast tourism assets at disposal, it is an opportune time for the State to win a prominent position in a global tourism league. This is possible only when we build and expand a strong tourism buyer and seller network within the State, within the country and on a global level.”

Adding further, she said, “MITM is an endeavour to bring in the maximum number of tourism buyers and sellers on a single platform and empower them to explore economic growth opportunities in Maharashtra’s tourism sector. We are happy to witness such a promising response from buyers and sellers from the globe. We are sure to see a number of partnership, tie-ups happening among tour operators, hoteliers, travel agents. It will also pave the way to attract foreign investments in the sector.”

Shri ParaagJaiinNainuttia IAS, Managing Director MTDC, said, “MITM will help our dedicated campaign of ‘Unlimited Maharashtra’ to reach the next level on a global platform, as more buyers and sellers can witness the State’s tourism prospects. When the State is striving hard to ensure a fast-track growth in tourism sector, MITM will open up an array of economic opportunities for buyers and sellers that will strengthen the eco-system of the State’s tourism. The participation from global tourism players will allow the deliveries of world-class tourism products and services to the visitors enriching their experiences.

MITM will showcase to buyers and sellers economic opportunities in Maharashtra’s compelling tourism destinations, cultural festivals, beaches, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, pilgrimage destinations, wildlife, national parks, social and study tourism and few others. It will also host various seminars.

The Day One of the MITM witnessed over 2,000 footfalls and the number is expected to rise in coming two days. Among various stakeholders, many tour companies from the US, the UK, South Africa, France, Greece, Japan and Australia marked their presence.  

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Eye from the Sky as MTDC launches Heli Tourism

Mumbai: Get ready for a stunning spectacular aerial view, watch the unique cityscape and glare at most pulsating city as on the occasion of World Tourism Day Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) along with Girisons Airways starts Heli Tourism in Mumbai.

The helicopters will operate from Juhu airport every Sunday for 15 minutes at the cost of Rs 3939 excluding taxes and take tourists on a mesmerising ride ever. Paraag Jaiin Nainuttia, Managing Director, MTDC at the launch said, “Mumbai has the most amazing skyline, an impressive and breath- taking view. There are many tourists’ spots which look outstanding from an aerial view. The idea is to provide an enthralling experience to the tourists and boost potential tourism in state. Mumbai attracts a lot of foreign and domestic tourist and Heli – Tourism will definitely help in increasing the footfall”.

The special Mumbai Darshan tour via helicopter focuses more on tourists who have less time in hand to explore and want a quick glimpse of Mumbai. Heli-tourism is popular in hilly areas like the North East and the Himalayas, which are not easily accessible. This will be the first time it will be offered in a metro city like Mumbai. These Helicopter Tours to be performed on a regular basis are being introduced for the first time in India. Initially the Mumbai scenic tours are being introduced which will be followed by helicopter tours to Elephanta Island, Ajanta Caves, Ellora caves and later also to Shirdi.

Bookings can be made at Girisons Airways reservation number 22889977/ 22889988 or at MTDC reservation office. Government issued photo identity will be required to make the booking and at the time of check-in at the airport.

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Maharashtra to host ‘Maharashtra International Travel Mart’

Mumbai 15th September 2015: The Government of Maharashtra is set to organise the ‘Maharashtra International Travel Mart’ (MITM). The inauguration ceremony will take place at Bombay Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC),Nesco Complex, Off Western Express Highway, Goregaon (East) in Mumbai by hand of honorable CM Devendra Fadnavis from September 28 to 30, 2015. Spread over three days. MITM will showcase the tourism attractions of the state that would lead to an enhanced brand image of the destination.

With over 250 registered buyers, stakeholder of industry, hoteliers, travel agents, tour operators, adventure tour operator and media from over 30 countries, Maharashtra state is set to provide a B2B platform for perceptive travel and tourism products. The event will showcase the best of what Maharashtra has to offer to the discerning travel trade from India and abroad.

The state has contributed towards being a large part of the India’s ever-growing tourism arrival figures, both to within India destinations and overseas. MITM will prove to be the most important events for travel events in the country.Mrs. ValsaNair Singh, Secretary Tourism GoM said "Maharashtra has been one of India’s biggest tourist attractions with its wide arena of magnetisms and is home to the largest inventory of tourism products that the country has to offer with five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, over 900 caves, 350 forts with splendid wildlife and world-class beaches to adorn. 'Maharashtra International Travel Mart', being held for the first time will provide the impetus to the inbound travel and tourism industry and would enhance the marketing efforts of Maharashtra Tourism to promote our destinations to the travel trade and tourists from all over the world."

Stakeholders from industry will be invited from Netherlands, Australia, Canada, France, Greece, Israel Japan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, UAE, UK, USA, South Africa, Singapore, etc.The event will be supported by major travel – trade and hospitality association in India such as ‘Association of Domestic Tour Operators Association of India (ADTOI), Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) and Indian Association of Tour Operators.

MITM will be state’s largest trade exchange dedicated to the travel and tourism industry, with exceptional emphasis on bringing suppliers with first rate credentials face-to-face with premium buyers so as to establish and encourage new business relationships while furnishing the highest quality and price ratio with innovative packages and products. The event will showcase the different facets of Maharashtra, like the cultural festivals, its beaches, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Konkan Region, Pilgrimage Destinations, Wildlife and National Parks, Medical, Social and Study Tourism and more.

With excellent connectivity to and throughout the state, vivid heritage and natural attractions, diverse cuisine and its capital, Mumbai being the financial hub of the country, MITM 2015 will catapult Maharashtra's tourism appeal across a much wider global audience.

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India Tourism Development Corporation puts up Stable Performance in Q1, 2015-16

India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), the public sector undertaking under the aegis of the Ministry of Tourism, posted a stable performance for first quarter of the current financial year 2015-16. The total turnover in quarter ending June 2015 stood at Rs.105.96 cr as compared to Rs.103.63 cr in the corresponding quarter last year. The company registered Net Profit Before Tax (PBT) at Rs.2.77 cr and Net Sales at Rs.96.95 cr as compared to Rs.0.30 cr and Rs.96.19 cr respectively in the corresponding quarter last year i.e. 2014-15.

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Jammu and Kashmir Govt rebuilds infrastructure revive Tourism

 Jammu and Kashmir, which witnessed ravaging floods last year, is limping back to normalcy with the state opening up all again to tourists in a record time of three months, bringing a sigh of relief to all those wished to explore the scenic beauty of the northernmost Indian state.

Floods hit the state in September last year, bringing the state to a complete halt, especially Srinagar. Tourism is the mainstay of the people of the state, and it was badly affected in the aftermath of floods that incurred huge losses to the state exchequer to the tune of Rs one lakh crore.

The state machinery was fast enough to deal with the natural disaster and bring the tourism industry back on track. Roads and infrastructure problems were taken up on priority basis and they were rebuilt to allow the traffic to flow smoothly. Clean water for tourists was another challenge which has been surmounted. All the hotels in affected areas now has ample amount of clean drinking water.

“After the natural calamity which did so much damage, reviving tourism was a difficult job. However, as we knew tourism is the lifeline of the state, it was important to revive it no matter how impossible it seemed. But our conviction and the support from the people of the state made it a reality, that too in a record time of three months. We are very proud to say that 99% hotels in Jammu and Kashmir are back in business,” said Mr Talat Parvez, Director, Tourism Kashmir, and Government of Jammu & Kashmir.

The hotels in flood-hit areas sought re-registration, which were granted after through inspections. After a span of one-and-a-half month, hotels and cars were partially operational which now in due course of time have become fully operational.

The Department of Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir has been holding road shows and exhibitions across the country to let people know that conditions are now absolutely favouable for the tourists to visit the state. It has conducted the exhibitions and roadshows in Chennai, Hyderabad and Delhi so far and plans to do the same at other places, including in Kolkata and Mumbai.

The department is also running on its YouTube channel clips of recent tourists to the state and their experiences with an aim to build confidence among other people who want to visit the state.

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First Free Flight-Road-Rail Educational Trip for Students

The first free flight-road-rail trip educational program conducted by UAE Exchange, India for St Thomas Girls High School, Perumanoor was a thrilling experience for the students. This was evident in the thanks letters, written after the trip, by the students to the company.

“The fourteen students for the program were selected based on their overall merit in academics and co-curricular activities. The students were accompanied by our three excellent teachers and an official of UAE Exchange,” said Sr. Leenus the Principal of the School.

The trip was conducted on Wednesday, December 04 from Kochi to Trivandrum by flight. After the visit to zoo and planetarium in Thiruvananthapuram, the group returned to Kochi by train. To motivate and make the students to study well and score good marks, this prize program was announced a year earlier in the school by Mr. V George Antony, Managing Director and Country Head of UAE Exchange.

“Students are precious for the nation's development. To make a bright future of the society it is clear that we should invest in our growing schools. So it is for the promotion and inspiration of talented students we have invested in this first free flight-road-rail trip program,” Mr. V George Antony commented.

UAE Exchange has been awarded by Public Relations Society of India and India Human Capital Award for its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.

Source:Business Wire India 

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This Week in Travel: Kerala – Paradise on Earth

India is a place where a traveler has many options to choose from. Each place, each season has its own beauty, which attracts tourists. Among the many places it is difficult to choose a particular destination.

But there are some places, which are a visual treat, and make you come back; Kerala is the top amongst those. Kerala as a tourist destination is well known for its Back waters, Hills, Waterfalls and Boat races.

Beaches in Kerala are major tourist attractions and are surrounded by Palm, Coconut groves and Natural Harbors.

On the beaches of Kerala you can enjoy water sports like, parasailing, diving, swimming and boating.
Kerala as a tourist destination is also famous for its Ayurvedic Spas and Clinics.

Ayurveda is one of the oldest forms of traditional medicine in the world, which has its focuses on a holistic approach to well-being.

The word Ayur means life and Veda means, the science or knowledge. The Spas and Clinics, offer different kinds of treatment, and various Ayurvedic techniques for different physical problems, these include yoga, meditation, diet, massage and the application of oils.

Many hotels and resorts also offer treatments in luxurious and peaceful places.

Among other places to visit in Kerala are the beautiful Hill stations, the popular hill stations in Kerala are Munnar, Wayanad and Idukki, these places are best suited for sports like, wildlife treks, mountaineering and rock climbing.

Wild life sanctuaries in Kerala are the places that one should not miss; here you can see rare creatures in their natural surroundings. National parks and wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala are Chinnar wildlife sanctuary, eravikulam national park, kumarakom bird sanctuary, periyar national park and silent valley.

One of the most unforgettable memories, in Kerala will be, floating along the Back waters on a hired house boat, it is a heavenly experience, with the sceneries of the green countryside, palm trees and rice fields.

Kerala's popular attraction is its delicious cuisine. The Dishes are generally hot and spicy and are prepared using plenty of fresh vegetables, exotic fruits, and locally-grown aromatic spices.

If you love, Rice, and Fish, then you should definitely try the dishes. What are you waiting for, go ahead and lose yourself in God’s own country, Kerala.

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