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 IN FOCUS

South Africa showcases blueprint for tourism at INDABA 2012
Africa’s top travel show, INDABA 2012, which concluded last month in Durban, highlighted South Africa’s 360-degree approach for tourism development. Rashmi Pradhan presents the highlights of the event
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 ON RECORD

RateGain’s Hotel Pricing Trends – Asia (Mar – May 2012)
Data trends on the cheapest hotel rates as well as the median rates for three months of three, four and five-star hotels across some of the major cities in Asia. This set covers March to May 2012, taken in the month of February 2012 (all rates are in US dollars for two adults for a one-night stay).
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 GUEST COLUMN
Is it Sustainable Tourism or Sustainable Development for India? By Hector D’souza, President, L`orient Travels, Mumbai
At a recent conference of tour operators, it was heartening to note that large amounts have been made available to local governments to increase spending in infrastructure and other facilities that would greatly increase amenities provided to tourists. This would indirectly benefit the locals with greater development in the region.
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This Week's Top Headlines
IATA defers implementation of weekly settlement system till November 1, 2012
  The International Air Transport Association (IATA), in a move that will bring relief to the travel agent community, today announced that it has deferred the implementation of the weekly settlement system to November 1, 2012. ...read more>>
WTM 2012 to host dedicated pavilion for India
  After its participation at WTM 2011 generated GBP 56 million of deals for the country’s travel and tourism industry, India will have its own pavilion at World Travel Market 2012. ...read more>>
Dorak Tours introduces cruise product in the Indian market
  Turkey-based DMC, Dorak Tours, which has been testing waters in the Indian market for some months, recently introduced its Mediterranean cruise programme in the Indian market. ...read more>>
SA Tourism to host Module III of ‘Learn South Africa’ workshop from June 12 - July 28, 2012
  South African Tourism will be hosting Module III of its training workshop ‘Learn South Africa’ for its travel partners from June 12 through July 28, 2012. The workshop will cover 33 cities and ...read more>>
MTDC planning floating hotels in coastal cities
  The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) intends to take Beach Tourism to a completely different level, with plans to set up 'flotels' (floating hotel) in the harbour areas of coastal cities such as Mumbai, ...read more>>
Emirates Holidays launches A World of Choice 2012-2013 brochure in Indian market
  Emirates Holidays, the tourism arm of Emirates Airline, today launched the latest edition of its A World of Choice 2012-2013 brochure in India. Targeting the leisure travel segment, ...read more>>
RP Group eyeing Mumbai to expand hospitality business
  RP Group of Companies (RP Group) is eyeing Mumbai to expand its hospitality business. “We are keen on expansion opportunities in Mumbai. We will acquire land and ...read more>>
AVIAREPS to represent Rhaetian Railway in India
  AVIAREPS –India, a subsidiary company of AVIAREPS AG, has been appointed as General Sales Agent for Rhaetian Railway in the country, effective March 2012. ...read more>>
Beijing mulling 72-hour visa waiver for tourists
  Beijing is considering allowing foreign tourists a 72-hour window to explore the capital without a visa. Fu Zhenghua, Director, Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau, ...read more>>
Odisha Tourism Dept to launch sanctuary tours to boost tourism
  The Odisha Tourism Department, in association with the Forest and Environment Department, is formulating an Ecotourism policy, as part of which the state has decided to launch a special package ...read more>>
Amadeus and AirAsia Inc. launch travel booking tool, Amadeus LCC Smart
  Travel technology provider, Amadeus, together with low-cost carrier, AirAsia Inc., recently launched a new travel booking tool, Amadeus LCC Smart. Amadeus LCC Smart will allow travel agencies ...read more>>
Philippines to host PATA Travel Mart 2012 on Sep 25-28
  The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) will organise the PATA Travel Mart 2012 on September 25-28 at the SMX Convention Center, Manila. The event is hosted by the Department of Tourism and ...read more>>
Wego launches official India website, www.wego.co.in
  Travel meta-search site Wego yesterday officially launched its India website www.wego.co.in. Wego India enables both domestic and international travellers to compare the price and ...read more>>
Ezeego1.com adds int’l tours to offerings with Viator Inc. tie-up
  Online travel search portal Ezeego1.com recently joined hands with San Fransico-based Viator, Inc. to provide international tours and activities through Ezeego1’s B2B and B2C channels, ...read more>>