President’s Desk…

MTOA Newsletter 6th Edition – December 2015 Only for private circulation among members of MTOA Extracts from various reputed publications in Travel Industry

www.mtoa.co.in

Maharashtra ranks 1st in this year’s survey moving up one position from the previous edition. Delhi slips to rank two while Goa, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu ranked third, fourth and fifth, respectively. The World Travel & Tourism Council India Initiative (WTTCII) and HVS, released the fourth edition of the India State Ranking Survey, that aims at analysing the state-wise potential of Travel and Tourism in India, and assessing the relative competitiveness of different states in the country. The official release of the 2015 India State Ranking Survey took place on October 5 at The Oberoi New Delhi. “In our inaugural report, our objective was to apply an analytical approach in order to identify the gaps in the Travel and Tourism industry, and highlight initiatives or inattention by the different state governments in India. That this effort will encourage the state governments and the political leadership therein to take a more favourable stance towards the industry

Every year Diwali and winter season marks a very important season for the Indian travel industry. Thanks to the support received from all hoteliers, transport providers and DMC’s, this year too we experienced a very smooth and peaceful travel season during Diwali

This season the travel trade also had to face some natural calamities. Recently I visited Nepal, which has successfully recovered after being struck by a devastating earthquake on April 25,2015.Nepal had not only suffered from loss of human life but also destruction of its historical sites and temples in the capital city of Kathmandu along with its rural areas. Nepal is again a safe destination to travel, with daily life returning back to normalcy and people warmly welcoming tourists to their country. I had an opportunity to interact with Mr. Sugat Ratna Kansakar, Managing Director of Royal Nepal Airlines who has assured his full support and co-operation to the travel trade to help tourism bounce back in this beautiful country. Tourism in Southern India was hit due to the torrential downpour which caused flooding in Chennai ,which in turn affected the rail and air travel to and via Chennai. The un-operational Chennai airport not only left passengers stranded , but also affected onward flights to other destinations like Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In spite of hindrances caused by natural calamities, the travel trade is all set to cater the tourists for their most awaited Christmas and New Year Holidays and to welcome an exciting 2016.

Warn Regards, Sudhir Patil President - MTOA

has always remained our conviction. While some of our parameters in our report apply specifically to hotel developers, others are more relevant to State Governments and it is indeed a positive reaffirmation to see that a number of state governments have implemented constructive measures and shown commendable progress, evident from the latest rankings,” said Manav Thadani, Chairman – HVS Asia Pacific and Chairman – WTTCII. The study takes into account 30 states including Delhi but omits the Union Territories in order to avoid any probable distortion of data. This year’s survey has included the newly formed Telangana in its rankings. The report further employs 12 parameters to evaluate the different states. These parameters have been assigned a specific weightage commensurate to their individual impact on the hospitality industry.

Maharashtra tops India State Ranking Survey 2015.

holidays with guest travelling within India and to other countries. The recent terrorist attack on Paris has definitely impacted travel to Europe and especially to France. The world is steadily overcoming the shock of this very unfortunate episode and we and the entire tourism industry is looking forward to make the travellers travel around the world without any fear.

Ministry of Railways amends refund rules, the new refund rules to be effective from 12th November, 2015

MTOA Newsletter 6th Edition – December 2015 Only for private circulation among members of MTOA Extracts from various reputed publications in Travel Industry

www.mtoa.co.in

In a major move to help the genuine passengers and to plug the scope of misuse of ticketing activity, the Ministry of Railways has further amended its refund rules and has notified under the title Railway Passengers (Cancellation of Ticket and Refund of Fare) Rules, 2015. The new Refund Rule shall be effective w.e.f. 12.11.2015. The objective of the new changes in the refund rule is as under- To plug the scope of misuse. Facilitate passengers with mobile ticketing/proposed paperless ticketing etc. Discourage touts/agents on black marketing of tickets. Under the revised rules one additional facility has been made available for the passengers. Now, beyond the working hours of Passenger Reservation System (PRS) no current counters are available at stations or no PRS counter is available at stations, Railways has decided to enable certain Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) counter as UTS cum PRS counter and allow refund of PRS counter ticket across UTS cum PRS counter.

The brief summary of the revised refund rules is given below giving both existing and the new amended provisions. (see page no. 3)

Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority (SCTD) is set to conduct roadshows in India. Leading a delegation from Sharjah, Khalid Midfa, Chairman, SCTD, will be visiting the cities of Ahmedabad, Delhi, Mumbai and Kochi from December 8-11, 2015. The roadshows are focused at meeting the travel trade and educating them about the offerings of this Emirate.

Sharjah is an undiscovered Emirate in the United Arab Emirates and it offers a variety of holiday experiences from beach and city to art and culture with lots of shopping opportunities in between. Sharjah is an emirate of diversity and heritage and above all is a safe family destination that you will find welcoming and memorable.

From 13 online stations in India there are 112 flights a week straight into Sharjah on Air Arabia our national carrier as well as other options. There are a wide variety of hotels to suit all taste whether you want a 5* beach resort or a smaller city boutique hotel you can be sure your needs can be accommodated.

Sharjah to conduct Roadshow in Mumbai

Taj Hotels opened the doors of its new property—The Gateway Hotel Hinjawadi, Pune—which is in association with Paranjape Schemes (Construction) Ltd on an eight-year extendable contract. The property features 150 rooms, including 6 suites. Speaking at the launch, Farhat Jamal, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces Senior Vice President-Operations (West India) and Africa, said that the new opening marked the launched of the second Taj property in Pune. With the launch of this hotel, Taj Hotels has 28 properties under The Gateway Hotel brand, including one in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The hotel is aimed at catering to the business travellers in to the city, especially MICE business. In fact, the property, for the first time, has introduced the concept of night conferences, considering the timing of the IT and BPO industry in the city.

150-room Gateway Hotel opens in Pune

Maharashtra tops India State Ranking Survey 2015

MTOA Newsletter 6th Edition – December 2015 Only for private circulation among members of MTOA Extracts from various reputed publications in Travel Industry

www.mtoa.co.in

Rule No. Existing Proposed

4

Levy of clearage per passenger for cancellation of unreserved, RAC and waitlisted tickets- a) Unreserved (second class): Rs. 15. ii) Second class (reserved) and there classes: Rs. 30

Levy of clearage per passenger for cancellation of unreserved, RAC and waitlisted tickets- i) Unreserved (second class): Rs. 30. ii) Second class and other classes: Rs. 60

6(1)

Cancellation charge per passenger on confirmed (reserved) tickets- i). 48 hours before the scheduled departure of the train minimum cancellation charge 1st AC/executive class: Rs.120 2AC/1st class : Rs. 100 3AC/ACC/3A economy: Rs. 90 Second sleeper class: Rs. 60 Second class : Rs. 30 (ii). Between 48 hours and 6 hours before the scheduled departure of the train @ 25% subject to minimum charge as per (i) above. (iii) From 6 hours before the scheduled departure of the train and upto 2 hours after the actual departure of the train @ 50% subject to minimum charge as per (i) above. (iv) No refund after the above time limit.

Cancellation charge per passenger on confirmed (reserved) tickets- i). 48 hours before the scheduled departure of the train minimum cancellation charge 1st AC/executive class: Rs. 240 2AC/1st class : Rs. 200 3AC/ACC/3A economy: Rs. 180 Second sleeper class: Rs. 120 Second class : Rs. 60 (ii). Between 48 hours and 12 hours before the scheduled departure of the train @ 25% subject to minimum charge as per (i) above. (iii) between 12 hours and 4 hours before the scheduled departure of the train @ 50% subject to minimum charge as per (i) above. (iv) No refund after the above time limit.

6(3)

Partially confirmed: Upto two hours after the actual departure of the train

Partially confirmed: Upto half an hour before the scheduled departure of the train

7

Refund on unused RAC/WL tickets: Upto 3 hours of the actual departure of the train subject to deduction in clerkage charge. No refund after the above time limit.

Refund on unused RAC/WL tickets: Upto half an hour before the scheduled departure of the train subject to deduction of clerkage charge No refund after the above time limit.

10

In case of cancellation of trains for e-tickets: Before 01.07.2015, for refund, TDR had to be filed. No change for counter PRS ticket.

In case of cancellation of trains for e-tickets: W.e.f. 01.07.2015, automatic refund is granted. Filing of TDR is not required.

Railways amends refund rules… (from page no. 2)

Mumbai Airport has been named CAPA Asia-Pacific Airport of the Year. This award is given to the airport that has been the biggest standout strategically, established

itself as a leader and done the most to advance the progress of the aviation industry. Mumbai Airport, CEO, Rajeev Jain accepted the award from CAPA Executive Director Peter Harbison. Mumbai was selected for the innovative

development of T2, which has enabled Mumbai to emerge as one of the leading airports in Asia.

MTOA Newsletter 6th Edition – December 2015 Only for private circulation among members of MTOA Extracts from various reputed publications in Travel Industry

www.mtoa.co.in

Amol A. Hendre and Devendra Gandre, Members of MTOA, have established Conservation Education Centre at Dahanu . The purpose of this Centre is to

Strength capacities for conservation, environmental education and sustainable development initiatives through linking people with one another and to the global

conservation community.

Following activities have been conducted at this Centre: Wildlife Photography Exhibition / Wildlife Conservation Techniques / Horticulture Chico Farming / Prawns Farming Project / Books Library / Bio Gas / Solar Cooker

Experiential Training Programmes / Snake Awareness Workshop / Know Your Pets Workshop

Warli Painting Workshop / Cattle Farming / Souvenir Shop

Rural Volunteering Programmes would be the major activity of this centre which would gradually promote the importance of this centre around the Globe.

Marathi News Channel IBN Lokmat has also covered this Project in its special

programme in the month of May 2015.

Conservation Education Centre at Dahanu.

Emirates Airlines will host a one-day football match titled ‘Emirates Football Tournament 2015′ for its trade partners in Pune. Earlier this year, the airline had hosted a two-day cricket match for its trade partners earlier in Mumbai. The football match will be held on Saturday, December 5 at Hot fut Arena in Mundhwa. There will be 16 teams comprising players from different travel companies. The winning team will be announced the same evening. Commenting on hosting such events, Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, VP (India & Nepal) for Emirates Airlines, says, “There are only a couple of sports that we don’t sponsor. From rugby, golf, F1 to cricket, we always support sports that have teams as we believe in teamwork. I wish the teams all the best.” The event is co-sponsored by Amadeus and Star Cruise in association with TravTalk along with two leading travel associations–The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) and the Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI).

Emirates to host Football match for Pune Trade Partners

MTOA Newsletter has been published by MTOA at its Office Veena World, Mahalaxmi Estate, L. J. Cross Road No. 1, Mahim (W) Mumbai – 400016. President – Shri. Sudhir Patil Gen. Secretary – Shri. Atul Mohile Chief Editor – Shri. Amol A. Hendre

MTOA Newsletter 6th Edition – December 2015 Only for private circulation among members of MTOA Extracts from various reputed publications in Travel Industry

www.mtoa.co.in

MTOA is pleased to inform you that we are planning FAM tour in association of Israel Tourism Board. ISRAIL FAM TOUR in first or second week of January 2016 for 04 to 05 days approx.

Those interested to join this FAM please let us know your consent with details before 10th Dec 2015 by email to mtoamumbai@gmail.com. For more information, please get in touch with

MTOA General Secretary Mr. Atul Mohile 9821046025 atulscontour@gmail.com

MTOA Jt. Secretary Mr. Chetan Dunakhe 9819097902chetan@madhuchandatravels.in

Familiarisation Tour to Israel and Golden Opportunity to explore and include a Unique Destination in your Career.

MTOA President Mr. Sudhir Patil with Mr. Sugat Ratna Kansakar, (second from your left) Managing Director of Royal Nepal Airlines

Glimpses of Nepal and thrilling moments in Chitwan National Park

A visit to Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation in Colombo, Sri Lanka.