Goa International Travel Mart to be held from October 21-23, 2011

The second edition of the Goa International Travel Mart (GITM) organised jointly by Department of Tourism, Government of Goa and Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) will be held at the Grand Hyatt in Bambolim from October 21-23, 2011. The theme for the Mart this year is ‘Unearth the Hidden Treasures of Goa.’ The organisers of the event have planned an aggressive marketing strategy to attract over 2500 trade visitors to GITM 2011, of which 450 will be hosted buyers. TravelBiz Monitor is once again the knowledge partner for this year’s event.

“We expect an even larger participation this year at GITM, which will benefit the entire industry in the state. The Mart was a great success last year and is now slated to be an annual event. GITM 2010 was a power-packed event which saw hosted buyer-seller interactive sessions, panel discussions and knowledge sharing sessions, networking dinners and FAM trips. The three-day event witnessed participation from over twelve countries including Singapore, South Africa, Canada, UK, Italy, Poland, Russia, and Brazil,” stated Swapnil Naik, Director, Goa Tourism.

Commenting on the second edition of the Mart, Richard Dias, Head - Business Development, Radioactive Entertainment, the official marketing agency of GITM said, “Through the theme, ‘Unearth the Hidden Treasures of Goa' the aim is to highlight Goa's unexplored regions. Goa as a destination has a variety of offerings and products which we hope to showcase through the Mart. We had 1,400 visitors at GITM 2010 and we are expecting a significant growth this year. Our promotional strategy will involve advertising campaigns in the major travel trade magazines and we will also be looking to organise road shows in the four metros, as well as cities like Ahmedabad and Kolkata, which are major markets for Goa.”

According to Dias, the Department of Tourism, Government of Goa and GTDC will be hosting approximately 450 buyers of which 150 will be international buyers for GITM 2011. Dias added, “We are also looking to bring in smaller single resort owners, as well as, stand alone and mid-sized resorts. We will try to ensure that the buyer-seller interaction at GITM 2011 is managed better and will make it easier for buyers and sellers to pre-fix meetings. GITM 2011 is going to be scaled up from 2010.”

MTOA to reach out to tour operators through workshops and FAM trips

In order to increase its membership base and reach out to tour operators in the state, Maharashtra Tour Organisers Association (MTOA) has planned to conduct a series of workshops and FAM trips. The Association will conduct a seminar on Service Tax in association with Service Tax Department, Government of Maharashtra sometime in August 2011 and is also planning to ogranise a one-day Agri-Tourism FAM tour to Baramati in Pune in the same month. Around 30 travel trade members and a few media persons will be taken on this FAM tour, which is being organised in association with Pandurang Taware, Managing Director, Marketing, Agri Tourism Development Corporation. This information was provided by Atul Mohile, President, MTOA.

Commenting on the membership drive Mohile said, “MTOA currently has 107 members and we expect to have at least 250 members by end of next year. Earlier we used to receive good response from tour operators in regions like Dhule, Nashik, Manmad and Ahmednagar. However, the numbers of new members has reduced in past few years from these regions owing to a lapse in communication. We aim to promote our Association in these regions and other areas, and expect a large number of tour operators to join us in a short span of time.” He also stressed the need to develop and promote Konkan region as a tourist destination. According to Mohile, Konkan has good potential to be developed as a year round destination but is hampered by lack of adequate infrastructure and connectivity. The latter is a major problem, especially during monsoon on account landslides in the hilly terrain disrupting rail and road traffic very often. 

Incessant rains boost tourism in Dharamshala

Incessant rains in Himachal Pradesh have given a fillip to tourism, as hundreds of tourists are flocking to the famous hill station, Dharamsala. Also known as Mini Lhasa, Dharamsala, home to many monasteries, is a centre of Buddhist learning and attracts foreign tourists every year.

According to a report in DNA, the tourist-influx has also set the cash registers ringing for the travel and tourism industry. Kartar Singh, a taxi driver said, "This year, tourism is really booming as a good number of tourists are coming everyday. It is a favourable time for hotels as they are packed with tourists. But it's a difficult time for cars, as there is very limited space for parking of vehicles, which create traffic jams. People often get stuck in these, which is the only problem for tourists."

Over the last few years, Himachal Pradesh has emerged as the preferred destination for tourists after separatist-related violence ruled out tourism in northern Jammu and Kashmir

Train for Katra from 2012

According to newspaper "Navbharat Times" dated 14.06.2011 Railway is going to launch its train till Katra in 2012.

Indian Railways to launch new web portal

According to a PTI report, Indian Railways will soon launch a new web portal. The website will contain information related to passenger services for the convenience of travellers. The information will primarily include journey planners, e-ticketing, retiring room booking, train arrival/departure information, and PNR status. A senior Northern Railways officer said that the new web portal will provide web-based complaint management and SMS complaint management. The portal will offer services to passengers for freight services which includes information about rakes. “This will also provide tracking facility of the rakes on the portal. On the parcel services front, the portal will provide information about parcel rules, have a parcel charges calculator, parcel rates and parcel tracking information,” the official said.

Gulmarg wins India Today's best adventure destination award

On the basis of an online survey conducted by India Today, Gulmarg in Kashmir - has won the best adventure destination category award for skiing in 2010-11, according to a report by Kashmir Dispatch. A certificate was presented to Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister for Tourism and Culture, Jammu & Kashmir, by the India Today Group at Srinagar recently.

Expressing pleasure over Gulmarg being declared the best skiing destination, the Minister said the destination had won the award for its Gondola service and powdered snow. Jora also said that this distinction would further enhance Gulmarg's reputation as a destination for international and national level skiing events.

Jora added that the government was endeavoring to explore adventure tourism's full potential at Gulmarg and other potential spots in the state. The Minister also said that installation of parallel chair lifts worth Rs 18 crore apiece from Kongdori to Marri Shoulder would not only provide added attractions to the tourists, but also help in organising world class skiing events and other winter games at Gulmarg.

Domestic air travel grew 25.6% in April: IATA

Domestic travel in India grew by 25.6 per cent for the month of April, while domestic air travel in countries like Japan, China and the US have shown a declining trend due to factors like the tsunami, tight economic policies and ATF prices, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said in a statement.

According to a report in DNA, “India stands out with a very strong growth of 25.6 per cent in April among the emerging markets. In the past five years, the domestic air travel market has tripled, compared to a doubling of the Chinese and the Brazilian domestic markets, and shrinkage in domestic air travel in both US and Japan,” the statement said.

sanctioned of Money for encouraging water adventure activities in HP

In order to boost the ongoing water adventure tourism at Chamera lake, Chamba Deputy Commissioner Devesh Kumar has sanctioned funds to the tune of Rs 10 lakh for encouraging water adventure activities in the district.
He has also allocated Rs 12 lakh for the development of the Rock Garden at Devi Dehra, near Dalhousie.
A sum of Rs 25 lakh had already been sanctioned for the construction of a tourist hut near Satrundi, on the midway of the Chamba-Killar Highway, he added.

ADTOI plans to organise road shows in Guwahati and Shillong in July 2011

The Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI), in partnership with Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDONER) and North East Industrial Development Finance Corporation (NEDFi), has decided to organise road shows in Guwahati (Assam) and Shillong (Meghalaya) in July 2011. The road show in Guwahati will be held on July 7 & 8, while the on in Shillong will be held on July 9. As per the plan, the two day road show in Guwahati will also include Business to Business (B2B) meetings.

Usha Breco’s Girnar Ropeway project gets approval

Usha Breco’s ambitious ropeway project at Girnar in Gujarat has received Central Environment and Forest Ministry’s “in principle” clearance.  Located in Junagadh district of Gujarat, theGirnar Ropeway project when completed is expected to give a big boost to Pilgrim Tourism in the region. The company also has plans ready to establish ropeways at more locations in the country in the coming years. 


Three projects in the pipeline include Chotila on Ahmedabad-Rajkot road; Jatayupara in Kollam district of Kerala; and Purnagiri on India – Nepal border. These projects will be taken up once the approval process is completed.

The Girnar Ropeway project, located inside the Gir Forest, is estimated to cost Rs 100 cr, and will make the pilgrimage to the famous Ambaji Temple on the hill top smooth and less cumbersome.

Kaziranga National Park closes for monsoon, to reopen in November 1, 2011

The Kaziranga National Park in Assam has been closed for tourists from May 1, 2011 with approaching monsoon in the state. According to a report in The Times of India, the park authorities said no domestic or foreign tourists will be able to visit the park till November 1, 2011 , when it will re-open again.


With rising demands of tourists, the Kaziranga authorities opened all the four ranges Kohora,Bagori, Agoratoli and Burhapahar for the first time in November last year. Surajit Dutta, Director, Kaziranga National Park said, “Apart from opening all the four ranges, we also introduced boat safaris from this year for visitors in the park.”'

MP Forest Dept to hike jeep entry fee for premium zones at Kanha and Bandhavgarh National Parks

In an effort to regulate and reduce tourist traffic in premium zones of the two most popular National parks in India, Kanha and Bandhavgarh, Madhya Pradesh Forest Department has decided to hike entry fees for premier zones from October 2011. Instead of the current dual entry charges of individual and jeep entry fee, from October 2011 only jeep entry fee will be charged.


Tala Gate at Bandhavgarh has been declared as premium zone and the jeep entry fee has been raised to Rs 4,000 from the current 2,200.
Madhi Gate will continue to charge Rs 2,200 as jeep entry fee. Each jeep will be allowed maximum of six people.

Similarly Jeep entry fee at Kisli Gate of Kanha National Park will possibly be hiked to Rs 3,000 from existing Rs 2,200 while the rate at Mukki Gate of the Park will remain unchanged.


*Also from April 1, 2011 both Parks will remain closed on Wednesday afternoon.
The entry fee for Bandhavgarh National Park is currently Rs 200 for foreigners and Rs 20 for Indians, per head.

Grass skiing to be introduced at Solang Valley near Manali from September 2011

In order to broaden adventure sports offerings in Himachal Pradesh, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS) at Manali is planning to introduceGrass skiing from September this year. The adventure activity will be offered as a new tourist attraction at Solang Valley. The Institute has commenced cultivation of summer slopes to provide more gradual slopes required for Grass skiing. Appropriate skiing and safety equipment has already been procured from Europe.

“Grass skiing, although not an Olympic event, is a recognised international sport. We have purchased high quality equipment from Europe and will begin training our staff in July just before the Monsoon season. We have made arrangements to ensure the safety of the tourists, which is of utmost importance, as grass slopes tend are more hard than snow slopes. We have not finalised the rates for the activity but will try and keep it inexpensive in order to suit the budgets of all tourists,” stated Mahavir Thakur, Deputy Director, Skiing, ABVIMAS.

Indoor snow park lures tourists to Ahmedabad

With temperatures hovering around the 40 to 44 degree Celsius mark, the artificial snow park is proving to be a welcome relief to one and all.

Mehul Shah, a visitor, said: " It is not possible for people to go to hill stations like Shimla or Kullu-Manali every year. So, we are happy that this snow park has been created in Ahmedabad. We come here every year with our family."

Prithvi Lalwani, a child, said: "My parents often remain busy so we cannot go to some hill station. I asked them to take me to Kashmir but they were unable to do so. But when I asked them to take me here in Ahmedabad, it was easy for them. Here, the ice is very good. It is just like Kashmir, full of ice."

Fahim Maniyar, the owner of the snow park said he thought of starting the project on the lines of a similar park that exists in the Genting Highlands of Malaysia.

He said the ice was made up of reverse osmosis water, which is absolutely safe for visitors.

Outdoor Activities

Please also find below, a detailed outline of a few of our activities:

Zorbing: The Zorbing Ball is made of transparent PVC, and 2 persons get harnessed in the inner ball and ball start rolling from a height. We would therefore require an operational area (about 8 to 10meters wide) preferably on a grassy track of about 50meters or the operational area carpeted. Typically, a days Zorbing activity can accommodate anywhere between 160 to 200 customers.(Check attachments for pictures)
Zorbing Picture

Parasailing:  An ascending round canopy design of parachute is used for parasailing. This parachute is attached to a powerful vehicle, which pulls it and the parachute airlifts to a height of 50 - 500 fts above the ground. The person is strapped to the harness and experiences the sky ride.

Parasailing Picture

Inflatable rock climbing wall:  Give the experience of rock climbing at the place of your choice. This inflatable wall comes complete with climbing studs and harness; climbing ropes are used to climb on it. Inflation fans are used to inflate the wall so electricity is required at the location.

Rock climbing Picture

Hot Air Ballooning: We organize Hot Air Ballooning. The Hot Air Balloon shall be tethered to the ground with a rope at all times and shall be put up for a maximum of five to six hours per day, subject to wind and weather conditions. The Balloon shall not carry more than three passengers at a time and shall not attain a height exceeding 150 feet from ground level.

Hot Air Ballooning Picture

Right India Travels

Right India Travels, A Passion
We, Right India Travels, are a travel service related company which fulfills more than your travel needs. We celebrate the places, the people and everything that make India great. We even celebrate those little things that others might have overlooked, stories of previous travelers that we shared with you and we don't need to say more about our intensity at work because you are going to find it out yourself soon enough.

Services Offered

• Meetings
• Conferences
• Business & Leisure Travels
• Educational Trips
• Pilgrimage Tours
• Training Programs
• Adventure Sports Activities
• Obstacle Courses
• Event Management

A Global Outlook
We have an international profile in providing the latest travel management services to today's discerning traveller. Right India Travels is one of the integrated travel services provider which has performed a stellar role in managing the travel requirements of the global as well as the domestic travellers who look for a global standard of service. We are as passionate and fascinated about the Indian subcontinent and Himalayas as the tourists and residents of the area are.

Head Office
The head office of the Right India Travels is located in New Delhi. Our local handling agents are stationed in all the major cities so that all your requirements are liaised perfectly well with the authorities as well as tour operators so that all you'll notice will be just a warm welcome.

Our Aims

•  We aim at complete exploration of the Indian Subcontinent thereby realizing the full potential of the Indian tourism industry.

•   Our Endeavour is to enable the traveller to tour in a friendly, warm and safe environment.

•   We aim to give our clients a high level of personalized service as we believe that impersonal interaction between client and the service provider may not create the bond that our kind of service can.

•   Explore India and endless, new possibilities that exist along the journey.

•   Create a friendly, warm and safe environment for travel.

•   Cultivate personal relationship and greater humanity through communication and exchange of ideas.

•   Foster life in balance through Yoga technique and Art of Living.

•   Provide travel related services within the budget and time frame.

•   Towards an ancient civilization. As India rockets into the 21st century, experience the wisdom that is her birth-right.

* We also provide Training and Certification of Para-sailing, Paragliding, Rope activities to groups with certified and licensed instructors from USA/India with instructor ratings.

Why us?
In the nine years of our existence, we have appealed to one and all for the grandeur of our destinations and the charm of our inexpensive charges. Our true worth lies not merely in the information or packages which we have at hand but in the exclusivity of our guidance and the absoluteness of our provisions. For us, you are not just another client or a customer, for us- each of you is a distinct entity with varied requirements and different priorities. Our motive is to serve you in the best possible way and our sole reward is your satisfaction and contentment.