Says this guy in Manila:
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‘Incredible India’ beckons
NEW DELHI, India - I have always wondered about the blurb, ‘Incredible India’ in the advertisements of India Department of Tourism. India is not only incredible but also amazing and fascinating. In fact, any compliment or adjective would fit very well for India. If it were not for Thailand’s use of the “Amazing Thailand” line, Amazing India would be more appropriate for the vast subcontinent that is India. This is so because Indian culture is distinct from the rest of the world. It is a race by itself. One probably needs a lifetime to explore and learn the regional cultures of India.
And more so with New Delhi, the charming capital of India. This city is so clean with wide streets lined with trees and well illuminated at night. Despite an extra effort, I couldn’t locate a pile of garbage even in the Old Delhi section of the metropolis. I also didn’t see a single structure in the city’s parks. I only saw trees, green lawns and benches for people in the parks. It’s greener than Metro Manila.
To top it all, there was hardly a traffic jam during the rush hours, despite the large population of the capitol. And yet, Delhi is currently building a mass transit for the city. Moving about New Delhi was like traveling again on the freeways of Metro Los Angeles! Incredible governance! I felt sad for Metro Manila.
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Despite its over one billion population, India’s currency is doing well at $1=47.70 (at the time I was there). Does that speak of the Indian economy, the quality of their leaders and their political will? Recently, the New Delhi government took 6,000 buses off the street as smog belchers. Can we do any better?
New Delhi is not what many people think about hygiene and scent. For those who have the means, I recommend visiting New Delhi and other parts of India especially the southern region where Bombay is. South India is bursting with progress.
India, to the visitor, is an everlasting journey of discovery. A land so vast and rich with cultural variety and where many civilizations flourished, kingdoms rose and fell - leaving behind an array of splendid historic attractions, and majestic temples and monuments, even in the cities. This is not to mention the good buys which are the world-renown Indian silk and embroideries. Definitely for the itinerant Filipino traveler, India or even New Delhi alone is a ‘must see’ destination.
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The 51st annual conference of the Pacific Asia Travel Association held April 14-18 in New Delhi, India was a huge success. Various speeches and breakout sessions led to one conclusion: that the world travel industry is on its way to recovery though deeply scarred by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York. And because of the scar, airlines are redefining their approach to customer relations and operating philosophy: back to basics, meaning comfort, convenience, lower fare for the passengers through more alliances. Electronic conveniences such as on-board phones and Internet facilities are frills that should not burden passengers with extra charges.
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“We firmly believe that promotion of peace, friendship, goodwill and understanding among nations and among different religions and ethnic communities has to be the overriding objective of tourism in the new century,” said India Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee in his opening address. Over 1,000 delegates from 41 countries had registered for the conference, which ran through April 18. Other highlights include:
•Tourism Secretary Dick Gordon was confirmed as chairman-elect for 2003-2004. He also spoke to the delegates representing the government sector during the breakout session on Global Marketing.
•At the official welcome reception on April 14 at Nehru Park, delegates were treated to folk music, dance and cuisine from all regions of India.
•In his welcome address, John Sandford, 2001/2002 PATA chairman, said: “Not only is tourism hugely employment-rich, economically diverse, adding massive value to host countries and developing greater understanding amongst people — it is a remarkably resilient industry sector… Endless opportunities abound, only limited by our enthusiasm, our imagination and our courage.”
•Peter de Jong, PATA president and CEO, said in his report to delegates: “PATA in the 21st century will be driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, clear objectives and a member-oriented ‘can do’ attitude. We shall embark on a multi-year effort to build greater membership value through a concentrated focus on expanded and new services and benefits.”
•Three hundred dancers and musicians from all over India dazzled delegates with a spectacular Indian cultural presentation during the opening session.
•Joseph A. McInerney, immediate past PATA president and CEO and who is now president and CEO of the American Hotel and Lodging Association, received PATA’s highest honor, Life Membership.
•Honorary Life Membership was also presented to Jagmohan, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Government of India, and chairman of the 51st PATA Annual Conference.
•Awards of Merit went to Dawn Drew, vice president and publisher of National Geographic Traveler and Basant Raj Mishra, executive chairman, Temple Tiger Group of Companies.
•John Sandford, 2001/2002 PATA chairman, presented his chairman’s Award to R.R. Pandey, executive chairman of Everest Express.
•Joint founder of Qantas, aviation and tourism pioneer Sir Hudson Fysh, was inducted into the PATA Gallery of Legends.
•Dr. Karan Singh, India’s eminent scholar and statesman, delivered the opening address on the conference theme, “Tourism - Looking Ahead and Beyond.” His speech, which was very well-received, highlighted the multiple benefits that can flow from tourism, including income generation and employment opportunities, preservation of rich cultural heritage, and “above all, the strengthening of ties of friendship between millions of people, cutting across barriers of race and religion, language and nationality.”
•At the 2002 PATA Gold Awards luncheon, sponsored by the Macau Government Tourist Office, 21 organizations and individuals were recognized for outstanding achievement. The honors included four Grand Awards, presented to the “best of show” entries from the Macau Government Tourist Office (marketing); the Australian Tourist Commission (education and training); Banyan Tree and Angsana (corporate environmental program); and the Department of Tourism, Government of India (heritage).
•“The Changing World and Its Impact on Tourism” was discussed by Plenary Session I speakers Michael Elliott of TIME; Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, Thailand’s former Foreign Minister; and futurist Richard Neville. The session, moderated by CNN’s New Delhi Bureau chief Satinder Bindra, identified globalization, conflict alleviation and sustainability as some of the key issues that affect tourism.
Delegates enjoyed dinner, dancing, prizes and entertainment at the gala PATA Annual Industry dinner, the social highlight of the conference. The event, which sold out quickly, was organized by the PATA Industry Council. (Comments to consult@skyinet.net)