ITDC continues profit making journey; posts profit of Rs. 27.16 cr in FY 2017-18

India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), the public sector undertaking under the aegis of the Ministry of Tourism, posted a significant performance for the financial year 2017-18.  Total income stood at Rs 370.64 cr as compared to Rs. 356.11 cr (As per Ind AS) in last financial year. Revenue from operations stood at Rs. 343.87 cr as compared to Rs. 330.77 cr (As per Ind AS) in the last fiscal. Corporation posted profit before tax (PBT) of Rs. 27.16 cr and profit after tax (PAT) of Rs. 23.62 cr in 2017-18 against Rs. 17.00 cr (As per Ind AS) and Rs. 11.43 cr (As per Ind AS) respectively in the previous year.

The Total Comprehensive income for the financial year 2017-18 is Rs. 19.14 crore as against Rs. 10.62 crore during the previous year.

The company has adopted Ind AS (Indian accounting standards) during the financial year 2017-18. The previous year’s figures have been realigned accordingly.

The results were announced in the Board Meeting of the company held on 30^th May at the Group’s flagship hotel, The Ashok, New Delhi.

FY 2017-18 has been a crucial and important year for ITDC, especially in view of the ongoing disinvestment process of some hotels. The profit is result of realignment of activities and several proactive initiatives taken by the organization to improve its productivity and efficiency at the beginning of the year.

Besides posting continuous profit year after year, ITDC has maintained its status of Mini Ratna and its commitment towards the shareholders by announcing consistent dividend for last five consecutive years.

ITDC sustained its profit even after implementation of 3^rd Pay Revision as well as increase in minimum wages. Hotel The Ashok & Hotel Samrat, Ashok Travel & Tours and Ashok Events division of ITDC were major contributors to the performance of the organization in FY 2017-18.

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One in Five Indian Business Travelers Value Hotel Rewards Over Safety

Globally, three in ten business travelers are happy to sacrifice safety for hotel loyalty and rewards incentives, according to research commissioned by Carlson Wagonlit Travel, the global travel management company. Travelers in the Americas are likeliest to do so (39%), followed by Europeans (34%) and travelers from Asia Pacific (28%).

Only around one in five (21%) Indian business travelers said they would choose points over personal safety, making them the least likely globally to do so, of the 17 countries surveyed.

“Clearly, travelers are very focused on their hotel loyalty points – they will go to great lengths to get their hands on those benefits,” said David Falter, President, RoomIt by CWT. “One way of meeting that challenge – short of tougher enforcement – is to let travelers collect points for booking within policy.”

What makes business travelers feel unsafe at hotels?

Almost one in three (30%) Asia Pacific business travelers expressed concerns about safety at hotels, in contrast to 27% travelers from the Americas and 23% of European travelers. Indians (39%) are the most worried globally about their personal safety at hotels, according to the survey.

When asked what makes them feel unsafe, exactly half the travelers surveyed globally said they worry about an intruder breaking into their hotel room.

What makes Indian travelers most anxious, however, is hotel staff inadvertently giving out their room key or information to a stranger – more than two-thirds (67%) of Indians surveyed labeled this a concern, compared with 41% of travelers globally.

This was followed by disruptions caused by the actions of other guests – something that worries 56% of Indian travelers, versus 40% of travelers globally.

And a third of respondents globally identified fires (36%) and terrorist attacks (33%) as causes for concern.

What precautions do travelers take to stay safe at hotels?

As expected, the vast majority of travelers (75%) said one of the measures they take to stay safe is keeping their room door locked at all times.

“While most hotel rooms lock automatically, a number of solutions available on the market can provide an added layer of security,” said Falter. “Items such as door wedges, portable door locks and travel door alarms can help a traveler secure their room more effectively.”

More than a third of travelers surveyed globally (37%), and 46% of Indian travelers, said they take the room key out of key folder so people can’t link the key to the room. Travelers from the Americas (42%) are more likely to do this than those from other regions.

Another tactic is to put the ”do not disturb” sign on the door when they leave the room – one adopted by 30% of travelers globally and 35% in Asia Pacific.

Travelers also believe that the floor they stay on can impact their safety and security. Almost a quarter of those surveyed (23%) said they opt for a higher floor when possible, while 15% choose a lower flower. Around two in ten travelers (21%) said they avoid staying on the ground floor. Indian travelers expressed a strong preference for staying on a higher floor, with 30% of those surveyed saying they make this request.

“Security experts typically advise staying between the third and sixth floors, where it becomes difficult for an intruder to break in, but you’re still within the reach of most fire departments’ ladders,” added Falter.

Department Of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi to Lead Delegation to ITB China in Bid to Boost Inbound Tourism

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) will lead a delegation of partners and stakeholders to the ITB China event later this month in a bid to capitalise on and reinforce the emirate’s popularity with Chinese travellers.

The Department will be joined by five key stakeholders at the travel and tourism fair, which is being held at the Shanghai World Expo and Exhibition Center from the 16th to 18th May, including Etihad Airways, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Miral, Nirvana Travel & Tourism, and Omeir Travel Agency.

Inbound visitor arrivals from China have seen dramatic rises over recent years, with the number of hotel guest rising almost 40 per cent in 2017 compared to the previous year. The first quarter of 2018 has also seen China maintain its position as leading international hotel guest supplier, with more than 127,000 Chinese staying in the emirate – an increase of 31% compared to the same period in 2017.

Inbound visitor arrivals from China have seen dramatic rises over recent years, with the number of hotel guest rising almost 40 per cent in 2017 compared to the previous year. The first quarter of 2018 has also seen China maintain its position as leading international hotel guest supplier, with more than 127,000 Chinese staying in the emirate – an increase of 31% compared to the same period in 2017.

More Asia Miles will access to Better rewards on Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific Group customers will earn more Asia Miles on the vast majority of their flights and have more access to redemption bookings following changes to Asia Miles, the airlines’ rewards programme.

 

Cathay Pacific Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Paul Loo said the changes demonstrate the airlines’ commitment to recognising and rewarding loyal members.

 

 

 

 

 

“We have been listening to our customers and have been looking at ways to show how much we value their ardent loyalty to Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon,” he said. “As Asia Miles’ airline partners, we want to ensure these changes enable our customers to redeem flight awards more easily. When our customers fly with us, we hope their travel experiences are enjoyable, rewarding and memorable.”

 

Cathay Pacific Regional Sales & Marketing Manager, South Asia – Rajesh Menon said, “We have a good database of Asia Miles members in India and these changes will greatly benefit them. To give you an example, on a Mumbai – Hong Kong return flight in Economy class, Asia Miles members will need to redeem only 20,000 miles instead of the earlier requirement of 45,000 miles.”

 

The following programme enhancements, which are in response to members’ feedback, will come into effect from 22 June 2018.

DCT- Abu Dhabi organises a live demonstration featuring a mural painting of Sheikh Zayed at Central Park in New York

The live demonstration of the painting of the late Sheikh Zayed’s mural on glass witnessed a huge turnout at the 14th Zayed International Charity Marathon, ‘UAE Healthy Kidney 10K’, which was held on Sunday, 29 April, at Central Park in New York. The painting was also decorated with the timeless words, “My wealth is the happiness of my people”, a saying of the late Sheikh Zayed.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) held this event as part of a stellar series of events to commemorate the noble humanitarian values of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and to introduce Abu Dhabi’s rich heritage, tourism and cultural programmes and the warm hospitality it offers.

Spectators had the chance to enjoy an authentic Emirati experience at DCT Abu Dhabi’s pavilion, which offered them the opportunity to explore Arabic calligraphy, henna inscriptions and other heritage activities. Visitors to the Pavilion were greeted with Arabic coffee and delectable dates as well as many souvenirs and tourist and cultural publications.

Mubarak Al Nuaimi, Director of Promotions and Overseas Offices, DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “This edition of the Zayed International Charity Marathon witnessed remarkable participation from contestants. The event was also widely covered in American and international media, which enabled us to achieve our goals of commemorating the late founding leader, Sheikh Zayed, while raising awareness of kidney diseases. In addition, the marathon gave us a platform to convey our message built around tolerance, peace and giving.”
The marathon attracted a wide audience from diverse segments of the American society, who came to watch the race, support its noble goals, and enjoy live musical performances, events and activities, held at the pavilions of sponsors, as well as prize draws, offering various prizes, including free plane tickets.

His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Visits Abu Dhabi Pavilion at Arabian Travel Market 2018

UAE: His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and First Deputy Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, visited the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) stand at the Arabian Travel Market 2018 (ATM) earlier today. For its participation at ATM, the Abu Dhabi delegation is putting the spotlight on the Emirate’s culturally-enriching experiences and unique natural landmarks while bringing to life elements of the Emirati heritage and tradition.

During the tour, HH Sheikh Maktoum was accompanied by HE Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and HE Sultan Al Mutawa Al Dhaheri, Executive Director, Tourism Sector at DCT Abu Dhabi, and saw Abu Dhabi’s growing tourism offerings as the delegation of 77 partners and stakeholders showcased more than 95 products and services.
ATM is the leading global business event for the Middle East’s inbound and outbound travel industry and experiences the largest gathering of the hospitality and tourism sectors in the region. Held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, the exhibition will run till April 25th and see DCT Abu Dhabi reaffirm the Emirate’s position as a world-class tourist destination.

Ocean Park Hong Kong Launches Hong Kong’s First Virtual Reality Rollercoaster At Christmas Sensation begin on 11 December 2017

 

Ocean Park Hong Kong launches Christmas Sensation Headlining this year’s celebration will be virtual reality (VR) rollercoaster will begin on 11 December 2017 with park-wide festivities.   The Park will also partner with Pinkoi.com, Asia’s leading online marketplace for designers, to present Ocean Park x PinkoiFestive Marketplace for the first time. Together with the Park’s signature 40-foot Christmas Tree, Santa’s Cottage, Garden of Romance and artificial snow, the Christmas Market will transform Water front Plaza into a romantic Christmas village.

Christmas Sensation will be held from 11 December 2017 to 1 January 2018. To experience Hong Kong’s first VR roller coaster, Mine Train presented by Samsung Gear VR, guests can put on special VR headsets and feel a surge of multi-sensory excitement during the ride. In the hyper-realistic world of virtual reality, guests can take a breath taking glide through a rainforest canopy, float along wild rivers, dive into the ocean and come face to face with the amazing animals living in the rich biodiversity of the Amazon rain forest, while experiencing the sensations of high speed and centrifugal force as the train rockets over the ups and downs along the tracks. This one and only VR rollercoaster ride in Hong Kong will be a must-try for thrill-seekers. Moreover, several VR game zones will be set up to test the speed and strength of guests in action-packed game challenges.

During Christmas Sensation, Ocean Park is turning Waterfront Plaza into a romantic, festive Christmas village. Ocean Park x Pinkoi Festive Market place will gather all kinds of original accessories and home ware by local designers, allowing guests to look for unique gift inspirations. They can also warm themselves with hot chocolate and feast on traditional Christmas snacks while wandering around the market. As night falls, guests should not miss out on the daily Light Up the Night ceremony at the gigantic 40-foot tall Christmas tree, which will be graced with an angelic choir performance every night for guests and their loved ones to enjoy a romantic moment. The festive Waterfront Plaza will also feature Santa’s Cottage where families can snap a photo with Santa Claus at his magnificent house decorated with colourful mosaics; or take plenty of selfies with the living statue and Christmas-themed topiaries at Garden of Romance next to Santa’s Cottage. At Whiskers Harbour, kids can participate in the fun and interactive Whiskers and Friends Winter  Game as well.