Developing Indian economy, vast and beautiful coastline, virgin forests, undisturbed idyllic islands and rich historical and cultural heritage make India a fabulous destination for cruise tourists: Kumari Selja
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13:40 IST
The Union Tourism Minister Kumari Selja has said that with the Indian Economy developing at a steady pace, middle class growing in number and increasingly possessing disposable incomes which could be spent on leisure activities, India could also take on cruise shipping in a big way. She was speaking here today on the occasion of announcement of arrival of International Cruising ship Aquamarine in India. The Minister said that India with its vast and beautiful coastline, virgin forests and undisturbed idyllic islands, rich historical and cultural heritage, can be a fabulous tourist destination for cruise tourists

The Minister said, while Cruise Shipping is one of the most dynamic and fastest growing components of the leisure industry worldwide and emerging as a new marketable commodity/product with growing rate of 12% per annum globally, it is still in its infancy in India and only recently has witnessed some activity in the country.

Kumari Selja said, Cruise Shipping world over is seen as employment generating leisure activities. On an average, about 1000 passengers travel on a cruise vessel (medium size). When such vessels arrive at a Port, automatically there is demand for a whole lot of services. Thus a cruise call results in gainful employment to a lot of people. Cruise ships also require bunkers, provisions, bonds stores in large quantities, agency service and crew etc. All these demands can be met locally. To that extent, the Minister said, there will be contribution to the Indian economy from this sector.

She said, Cruising is a ‘supply driven’ market because cruise liners are ever in search of new markets, new itineraries and new destinations. If adequate facilities, services and infrastructure are provided, they will in turn attract more and more cruise operators. The Minister said, India’s 7,517 Kms long coastline and strong port positioning imparts a natural advantage to the country to attract international cruise lines. India’s positioning in South East Asia and its proximity to already popular cruise destinations would enable strong cruise circuits to be created over a period of time. India’s strong domestic tourism sector would enable the country to achieve a strong domestic cruise sector that could complement the growth and support viability.

Referring to the Government’s efforts to promote the sector, Kumari Selja said, the Cruise Shipping Policy was approved on June 26, 2008 with the aim to develop India both as Source and Destination Market, to increase the number of cruise ship calls and passenger arrivals in a sustainable manner. She said, her Ministry extends financial assistance to the State Governments/UT Administrations for development of tourism infrastructure including cruise tourism under Product/Infrastructure Development for Destinations & Circuits scheme and to Port Trust Authorities under the scheme of Assistance to Central Agencies for Infrastructure Development. The Centre has already sanctioned Rs.1450.00 lakh to Cochin Port Trust, Kochi in the year 2008-09 and Rs.52.70 lakh to Poompuhar Shipping Corporation Ltd. Chennai for purchase of ferries in Tamil Nadu in the year 2008-09.

She said, the Ministry of Tourism has been promoting Cruise Tourism at various international platforms as such World Travel Mart, London, ITB-Berlin, and Arabian Travel Marts etc.

Kumari Selja said, the Commonwealth Games 2010 in New Delhi will provide us an opportunity to receive a large number of visitors from the Commonwealth Nations. And new facilities such as Cruise Tourism will no doubt help us in sustainable development of the Tourism sector.

In the function ,Kerala government was represented by Shri Anand Kumar , Resident Commissioner in DELHI.


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Sikkim CM to lay foundation stone of Chenrezig statue on Nov 25






GYALSHING, November 23: MLA Yangthang PL Subba yesterday said that the foundation stone of a statue of Lord Chenrezig would be laid by Chief Minister Pawan Chamling on November 25.
He informed this during a meeting of SDF Yuksom Constituency level held at Chongrang, Tashiding in West Sikkim, where all senior party leaders of the District were present.
In his address, Mr. Subba stressed on making his constituency best in every field and also to work hard at it for the success.
Former minster SB Subedi, who graced the meeting as the chief guest thanked the people of Chongrang for bringing the party in front once again and promised that the party will carry on with the welfare and developmental works for the people of the State.
MLA Gyalshing-Bernyak and deputy speaker MB Dahal on his part briefed the schemes introduced by the government. While talking about women empowerment in Sikkim, the deputy speaker said that the SDF party was doing a lot in giving maximum facility to the women of Sikkim. Mr. Dahal also mentioned about the exemption of IT.
Chairman, STDC NK Subba informed that such meetings will be convened in all parts of District and at the same time stressed on taking the responsibility of the party by every individual in making Sikkim a dream state.
Others present in the meeting were Ministers RB Subba and Dawcho Lepcha, Chairperson Chandra Maya Subba and other party office holders.

Heliports sanctioned at Mangan and Geetang Khola in Sikkim
GANGTOK, October 15 (PIB): Two projects for construction of heliports at Mangan and Geetang Khola in Sikkim have been sanctioned by the Ministry of Tourism. Both the projects are likely to be completed within two years.The Secretary of the Union Ministry of Tourism Sujit Banerjee has issued a statement on the status of Tourism on the occasion of All India Editors’ Conference on ‘Social Sector and Infrastructural Issues’ being held in Srinagar which was addressed by him.In his statement, Mr. Banerjee has said that the Ministry is trying to promote niche tourism which includes Heliport Tourism. With a view to promote tourist destinations in hilly and remote areas of the country, the Ministry of Tourism has issued guidelines to extend financial assistance to State Governments/Union Territory Administrations for construction of heliports under the Scheme of Product/ Infrastructure Development for Destinations and Circuits.
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Himagiri Power discover hot-spring at Lingdem drilling siteLingdem public want the site to be developed for tourism purpose
DEEPAK SHARMAMANGAN, October 15: In what could be a repeat of 1949, the Himagiri Power Project staff discovered hot-spring at the site where they were drilling rock, about 150 ft above Lingdem Road on September 10.The drilling works have been stopped after the discovery.Talking to media persons Zilla member of the area, Dubzor Lepcha and the local people informed that the same hot spring was discovered at the same place in the year 1949 but suddenly submerged after two years. “This year, this hot spring has suddenly emerged with drilling works being carried out at the same place,” they said.Meanwhile, the public has requested the Himagiri general manager and its staff members not to carry out drilling work at the site as the area, they said was very sensitive. “This spot should rather be developed for tourism purpose. Hot spring water storage tank should be constructer for wider benefit,” the public added.Reacting to the public response, the Himagiri power project developers have assured to think over the development of the site for tourism purpose.

Rate revised for high altitude goods carriers
Staff ReporterGANGTOK, October 15: A four tier rate system has been notified for ferrying or transporting of goods using porters or animals at high altitudes of Sikkim. The new rates were agreed and notified recently following a meeting of the officials of the State Labour department, Army officials and representatives of owners of mules and yaks used for carrying goods at high altitudes of East and North districts.According to the revised rates for North and East Sikkim, a porter is entitled to Rs. 100 per trip in altitudes up to 8000 ft while a sum of Rs. 124 is given to ponies or yaks for one trip in the same altitude. The rate for one trip between altitudes of 8000-12000 ft is Rs. 150 for each porter while it is Rs. 187 for each pony or yak. As the altitudes climb to 16000 ft, a porter is entitled to Rs. 175 per trip while a sum of Rs. 220 is to be given to ponies or yaks for one trip. The rate for one trip at altitudes above 16,000 ft for a porter is Rs. 200 and Rs. 250 for a pony or yak used to carry goods.

CM announces development packages for Melli

Eco-friendly footpath to come up along Teesta bank studded with water fountains, street lights & fishing points

SUREN MOHRA

NAMCHI, October 11: Melli, an important yet neglected entry point to South and West Sikkim, is set for a revamp with Chief Minister Pawan Chamling announcing a slew of tourism, beautification and urbanization integrated packages for this sleeping town during his tour yesterday.
Speaking about his intentions to usher in new age development for Melli so that this old town of the State catches up with the rapidly developing other urban areas of the State especially its Rangpo counterpart, the Chief Minister said that Melli figures prominently in the beautification plays of the State government.
The Chief Minister had reached Melli after completing a recce of Ranipool, Singtam and Rangpo to explore the tourism, industry and beautification potential of these areas.
Keeping in line with the Gangtok beautification drive, Mr. Chamling announced a similar drive for Melli while giving the directions to the accompanying ministers and bureaucrats to prepare DPRs. He also directed the authorities for setting up an eco-friendly footpath along the Teesta river bank below Melli bazaar. Street lights, recreation centre and water fountain should be set up along the footpath to boost tourism of Melli and Sikkim, he said. He also issued directions for setting up fishing points at various points of the eco-friendly footpath running along the Teesta river below the bazaar area.
For Melli residents, Mr. Chamling announced that a fire station will be set up in the bazaar along with a multi-purpose community centre. A horticulture packaging centre will also come up here, he said during his tour.
The Chief Minister also passed directions for road widening works from Melli check post to bazaar area and erecting a welcome gate before the bazaar area. He also announced that the sewerage system of Melli bazaar will be revamped and modernized. He also promised to restore the Shiva Mandir in the area which had been established in 1933.
Mr. Chamling promised to provide all modern facilities to the Melli secondary school and directed the officials to process the necessary paperwork.
During his interaction with the local people, the Chief Minister underlined the need to maintain the image of Sikkim as a peaceful State. We must shed our personal interests and work for the holistic development of Sikkim, he said appealing all to come forward and commit themselves to the vision and programmes of the State government.
The Chief Minister completed his three hour long tour of Melli after giving a patient hearing to the grievances of the local people

sOURCE: (SE)

STDC initiate tourism promotion activities in Karnataka


GANGTOK, October 5: A team of Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) led by its Chairman Narendra Kr Subba recently initiated few interstate tourism promotion activities during their recent visit to Karnataka in South India.

This, the STDC in a press release said was initiated keeping with the Congenial Tourism Policy of the State Government and vision of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling to make Sikkim a most attractive tourist destination.

During the visit, STDC has also tied-up with some other Tourism Development Corporations like Andhra Pradesh Tourism Dev. Corporation, Gujarat Tourism Development Corporation and international travel agencies like Thomas Cook International Travel Agency etc.

The delegation has at the same time identified a house in Bangalore city to be taken in lease after government approval, which can be operated by STDC as Sikkim House, Karnataka.

During the tour, the STDC delegates held inter-promotional talks with Jungle Lodges & Resorts Ltd. The team with APCCF and with its Managing Director, ND Tiwari, IFS, Chief Naturalist, S. Karthikeyan and its executive director visited Jungle Lodges, Bhimeswari Fishing and Nature Camp, Bandipur National Park and talked with the authorities.

On October 3, the STDC and Karnataka Tourism Dev. Corporation held a talk and reached an agreement. Talks were also held with Vinay Luthra, MD, B. Prabhudhar GM, HT Ratnakar, PRO and RS Rameshan, Marketing and Business Manager of Karnatak Tourism Dev. Corporation and NK Subba, Chairman STDC, Anbalagan IFS, CEO, STDC and other team members. This it has been hoped would bring positive results for both the states, the release said.

It is also informed that the STDC and KSTDC believes that by holding this formal talks seek to tap tourism potential of the respective states, thereby enhancing the employment generation within tourism sector, develop tourism packages, services and products and make them accessible to the public through tourism publicity.

“Our talk emphasizes to depute a staff from STDC as a Laisoning Assistant to laison between the two corporations,” the release said adding “the business transaction and booking would soon start”. The release further said that both corporations would provide marketing space in their tourism sale counters at Gangtok and Bangalore on reciprocal basis. For STDC and KSTDC, the booking of its Tourist Lodge and Package Tours would be done on-line with the help of unique dedicated user ‘ID and Pass’ to be allocated to other party.

“Both corporations would take up joint publicity and marketing campaign for the activities of corporations to increase revenue. Both corporations would initiate special package tours in their respective states to promote tourism and explore the possibilities of joint tourism packages. Both corporations would participate in each others’, tourism fairs and festivals and assist each other in promotion of tourism products in each others’ states including Road Shows 011 reciprocal basis,” it is further informed.

STDC Chairman also hoped that Bangalore can become a South-India hub for Sikkimese people. The STDC hub at Bangalore it can be hoped, would serve as a guardian of Sikkimese people simultaneously promoting business and tourism for our state,” Mr. Subba said in the release.