About India Outbound Magazine
India Outbound, a bi-monthly print magazine with dynamic web and social media presence focused on outbound travel from India, is published by Media India Group. Distributed all over India, and in all the top tourism events across the world, India Outbound caters mainly to the tourism professionals and is looking to develop new and innovative circuits and promote new destinations to the high-end travellers.
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Oceania Insignia sails to the shores of India
Oceania Cruises’ newly refurbished Insignia arrived in Mumbai after visiting Cochin, Mangalore and Goa in India as part of 180 days Around the World Cruise. The first ship to debut on December 7, 2018 as part of the OceaniaNEXT initiative, Insignia guests will travel through the Pacific and Asia, as well as cruising through the Middle-East, Europe and American regions.
Oceania Cruises has also chosen to elevate its guests’ experience by allowing in-depth destination exploration as well as dining experiences savoured at the finest cuisine at sea.
“OceaniaNEXT will be the most extensive and comprehensive suite of product and guest service enhancements that we have ever undertaken,” said Bob Binder, president and CEO of Oceania Cruises. “Our Regatta-Class ships are like second homes to our loyal guests and travel partners. They don’t build ships like these anymore, which is why this re-inspiration project is such an important milestone in our company’s 15-year history. We are maintaining the intimate surroundings and personal attention that our guests love, while at the same time, setting a new standard of style and elegance for small ship cruising. We have opened a new chapter, innovating in every way as we look to the future and the way our guests want to travel. We can’t wait for our ‘new’ ships to launch.”
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Sri Lanka tourism all set to bounce back
As Sri Lanka returns to normalcy after the tragic events of Easter Sunday, Sri Lanka Tourism is illustrating what Sri Lankans are best at - moving forward. With authorities’ strategic operations carried out to contain the situation and the arrest of those responsible, Sri Lanka is rapidly returning to normalcy and the industry is readying itself for what was to have been a record mid-season in what would have been a record year of growth for the tourism industry.
"Tourism is a strategically critical sector in Sri Lanka's ever-expanding economy. It's now the third highest revenue generator for the country and it is estimated that 500,000 individuals depend on it. From the fishermen, to the farmer to the tuk tuk driver to the king coconut seller on the roadside, they all benefit from the tourism industry. On the flip side, thousands of people are directly employed in the hospitality sector. Therefore, many Sri Lankans from various walks of life are stakeholders of the tourism industry. We have seen darker days but have always bounced back, better and stronger. Our resilience as a nation is unrivalled. This is our strength and we will show the world that Sri Lanka will once again be the top destination to visit," explains John Amaratunga, minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Christian Religious Affairs.
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Atlantis Aquaventure set to open in summer 2020
Atlantis Aquaventure is set to become one of the biggest waterparks in the world, with the addition of a third action-packed tower that will open in summer 2020. It will have a new 34-metre tall ‘Trident Tower’, which will introduce 12 new slides to the Atlantis Aquaventure.
The Trident Tower will feature ProSlide MammothBLAST, a 449-metre adventure water coaster. Guests can also try the Middle East’s first-ever ProSlide Dueling PIPElineBLAST/FlyingSAUCER and ProSlide RallyRACER 32. The kids can enjoy mini versions of classic ProSlide adult rides, KIDZ TORNADO 24 funnel and KIDZ BOWL 14. And when in need of a breather, then guests can sit back and let the river current take them through twists and turns as they enjoy the views of Dubai’s skyline in comfort.
Tim Kelly, executive vice-president and managing director, Atlantis The Palm and The Royal Atlantis, said, “At Atlantis we endeavour to deliver amazing experiences and everlasting memories to all of our guests and so enhancing the Atlantis Aquaventure offering is the natural next step in providing the best experience possible. We have carefully curated each attraction to ensure that we deliver first-of-its-kind ride technology for children, families and thrill-seekers alike. Trident Tower and its record-breaking slides will be a thrilling addition to the Atlantis experience, and we look forward to the unveiling in summer 2020.”
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Ras Al Khaimah to be the ‘host destination’ at Vankantiebeurs 2020
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) signed an agreement to present Ras Al Khaimah as the ‘host destination’ at Vakantiebeurs 2020, the travel trade and consumer fairs in Utrecht, Netherlands. The largest travel fair in Netherlands, Vakantiebeurs gathers tourism authorities, travel agencies and cultural associations from around the world for an opportunity to introduce their travel destinations and tourism products to consumers and fellow trade partners.
Haitham Mattar, CEO of RAKTDA said, “With a unique combination of authentic Arabian hospitality, pristine beaches and outdoor adventure pursuits, Ras Al Khaimah has a great appeal to holidaymakers from all over Europe. We have seen a significant growth in visitor numbers from Europe over the last couple of years, and therefore, the region continues to be a key focus for our tourism promotion strategy in a bid to attract 1.5 million visitors by 2021. We look forward to our participation as the host destination at Vakantiebeurs 2020 as it supports our promotional efforts in Europe to ultimately drive further tourism growth in Ras Al Khaimah.” Ras Al Khaimah’s attractiveness amongst international tourists continues to be strong – accounting for 62 pc of overall visitors in 2018.
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Enjoy the rain without getting wet at Sharjah
The Rain Room is an unusual and evocative experience for visitors who will enjoy the sound and nearby feel of being in the rain without getting wet. Located in the Sharjah Art Foundation, Rain Room is a permanent art installation where motion sensors on the ceiling prevent the water droplets from falling on you, clearing a sort of path, roughly six foot in radius.
When visitors enter the room, they are directed to navigate through the dark underground space in order to protect themselves from the downpour. As the visitors walk through the room, which uses 1,200 litres of self-cleaning, recycled water, their movements trigger motion sensors that pauses the rainfall when detecting movement.
Sharjah Art Foundation is an advocate, catalyst and producer of contemporary art. Through the Sharjah Biennial, the annual March meeting, year-round exhibitions, education and community outreach programmes, grants, residencies, commissions and publications, the foundation encourages a shared understanding of the transformational role of art. The Rain Room building in Sharjah has been designed by Sharjah Art Foundation and the UAE-based SpaceContinuum Design Studio in collaboration with Shape Architecture Practice + Research, Sharjah.
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Travel Indaba optimistic about future of Africa’s tourism
Tourism minister Derek Hanekom’s trade floor opening speech set the tone for what turned out to be, in his words, the best Africa’s Travel Indaba hosted yet. This year’s Africa’s Travel Indaba brought together over 6,500 delegates which included 1,033 exhibitors and 1,502 buyers at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC).
Hanekom’s speech focused on the future of Africa’s tourism industry, saying that by 2030, the continent would be welcoming some 126-million international tourists. “Are we up to it? Yes, we most definitely are.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa made a surprise visit to the event, addressing tourism industry and media delegates. Throughout his address, Ramaphosa emphasised the tourism industry’s importance in growing Africa’s economy and promoting a country’s identity. “Tourism is the one of the most international industries as it showcases the country’s identity and offerings to the world. If you want to showcase what you produce, clothing, food and arts, tourism is that window all of us can present to the world.”
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Mumbai Airport launches ‘Order from Anywhere’ food services
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has launched “Order from Anywhere” food services that allow travellers to pre-order food and have it either delivered or self-picked as they approach the airport.
The GVK-led airport has partnered with GrabbnGo for food technology initiative. CSMIA has introduced this service “to let passengers experience the convenience of the food of their choice being delivered to them directly at their boarding gates, especially during peak hours.”
Starting from June 2019, passengers at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of Mumbai airport will be able to avail this service through mobile app, QR code scan and Kiosks. The platform has associated with different food brands such as KFC, Pizza Hut, Subway and Burger King among others. Food brands with healthy options are also available under this new service
With this technology, travellers can find food stores along the route from security check to boarding gate. The stores receive orders through the patented ‘Just in Time Order’ algorithm and there are special express pickup counter at outlets. The new technology will be available to passengers travelling via both departure and arrival across both the terminals.
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Cox & Kings enters into a strategic tie-up with RCI in India
Cox & Kings has entered into a strategic tie-up with RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange and part of the Wyndham Destinations, to facilitate ancillary travel services for their India membership base.
The tie-up will provide RCI members with all facilities under one roof while on a RCI holiday; be it visa processing, air tickets or transfers. The concept of vacation ownership is fast gaining ground in India with increasing number of vacationers finding timeshare more appealing and cost-effective.
According to JP Singh, COO, sales and distribution, Cox & Kings, “We are happy to partner with RCI whose members in India can avail of our expertise in travel management to complete their holiday experience.”
Commenting on the tie-up, Aruna Jathar, director- marketing, RCI India, said, ``It has always been our endeavour to provide the best travel and stay experiences to our members across the globe. We have invented and reinvented our strategies to meet the changing needs of new age travellers and to enhance their overall experience. This tie-up with Cox & Kings will enable RCI members in India who have booked their timeshare vacations overseas to enjoy the various travel related services seamlessly.’’
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Alan Peter Chacko joins LOT Polish Airlines in India
LOT Polish Airlines has appointed Alan Peter Chacko as sales manager, India. Based in New Delhi, Alan Peter Chacko will oversee the commercial activities and key account relationships on behalf of the Polish Star Alliance member. He will report to Amit Ray, regional director India and DACH Markets of LOT Polish Airlines who welcoming him said, “It is my pleasure to welcome Alan Peter Chacko into the newly formed team of LOT Polish Airlines in India. Alan is a seasoned sales expert with profound knowledge of both, the airline and the travel trade industries. With his help and vast experience, I am convinced that LOT’s market entry in India will become a success story.”
Before joining LOT Polish Airlines, Alan Peter Chacko held various senior positions within the Lufthansa Group in India. For the past four years he was senior manager Sales Products and Programs & Service Provider Coordination with responsibility for the entire South Asian market. From 2006 till 2009 he was the Group’s general manager, Passenger Sales North India before he became manager – Leisure Sales, Customer Care & Call Centre Business India.
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New Pan-Asian restaurant in Nairobi Serena Hotel
Nairobi Serena Hotel is bringing a taste of Asia with its new Pan-Asian restaurant- Herbs & Spices (H&S) located on the ground floor of the northern wing of the hotel and will be the fourth dining outlet at Nairobi Serena Hotel. H&S will serve a dining menu influenced by Pan-Asian cultures across the world.
Daniel Kang’u, general manager, Nairobi Serena Hotel says, “We are delighted to bring a new dining experience to guests looking for an exotic culinary offering. Everything from the menu to the service at H&S is going to be delivered in an innovative authentic way, redefining the scene of Pan-Asian restaurants in Kenya.”
The overall design scheme is contemporary yet simplistic with the interiors featuring natural colour palettes and rustic wooden finish. The menu has been curated by Chef de Cuisine, Chef Wayan based in Islamabad Serena Hotel, Wild Rice, Pan-Asian Restaurant working closely with Chef Jackson to see to its implementation. The fusion of Japanese, Chinese, Taiwanese and Korean dishes will feature on the menu. “The opening of H&S is timely, as Nairobi continues to make its mark as one of the top foodies’ hot spots in Africa. Our aim is to continuously build our restaurants’ brand; not just by offering delectable food but also good energy to our loyal and new customers,” says Kang’u.
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