Vasudhaiva

Kutumbakam

i.e."For an open-minded
individual the entire world is one
family."So says the scriptures of
India. So do we wish it to be?

Nasimi Beach
This one, at the foot of iconic Atlantis hotel on Palm Island, has
only been around for two years, but it's already a classic for
club nights. White beach beds, bespoke cocktails and
international DJs have earned Nasimi its reputation as a glam
party location, but it's also great during the day; try some of
the superb grilled seafood and a basket of homemade
Mediterranean bread for lunch on the terrace, then relax in
one of the cabanas and wait for the beats to quicken as the sun
sets.


Bliss Lounge
Nestled on the beach at the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach hotel,
this newly opened lounge is a true hideaway. It offers cozy
seating in its amphitheater-esque bar area and great views of
Dubai Marina and Palm Island skyline from the chairs on the
sand. The barkeeper makes a mighty Mai Tai to go with the
DJ's deep house sounds, and there's a sushi menu for some
nibbles.


Riva Beach Club
It's still kind of a secret in town, but the cool Dubai expat
scene is already enjoying this brand new club on the trunk of
Palm Island. Riva took over and re-invented the former Al
Shalal club, giving it the feel of a French Riviera luxury resort.
A white beach, a vast infinity pool and 200 comfy sun beds are
awaiting guests for a lazy weekend (day memberships
available), and both the bar and the fine Italian restaurant are
taking reservations for evenings



Top Four : Dubai Beach Bars

Stranded
It sure is the hippest place in Dubai right now:
'Stranded' at Royal Island Beach Club. It's the first
ever venue to have opened on the otherwise
uninhabited artificial World Islands off the Gulf
Coast, and it's only accessible by boat. Parties kick
off every Friday at 11 pm, and reservations include
a return journey by boat, so you won't get literally
stranded out there
























.








Slow economies bring down
number of premium air
travelers
Growth in the number of
business class or premium travelers
slowed to 2.2% in March

Economic slowdown in China, India and
other economies of the East led to a
significant contraction in business class
air travel in March compared to the
previous year, latest IATA data showed
today.
Growth in the number of
business class or premium travelers,
which is a good indicator of airline
industry's revenue earning capacity,
slowed to 2.2% in March compared to
4.1% in February, data analyzed by the
International Air Transport Association
(IATA) showed.
A notable part of the slowdown
was China where business activity has
been contracting since January, the IATA
said, adding that premium travel within
the Far East suffered as a result.
This was a "significant slowdown" in
both February (1%) and January (7.2)
growth, the study said.
The European market also
experienced a slowdown, with premium
travel within Europe contracting 1.6% in
March compared to the corresponding
period of previous year.
Almost all routes saw a
slowdown in March compared to
February, but some markets like those in
the Gulf region, recorded solid and
robust growth in premium travel,
including the routes linked to the US
where economic conditions continue to
improve steadily.
The Gulf nations specifically
enjoyed acceleration in non-oil sectors of
their economies, ensuring strength in
consumer demand and positive
developments in sectors such as trade,
transport and tourism, the study showed.
Movies play key role year for
holiday plans: Travel Survey
Annual survey puts Kashmir on top of preferred domestic
places for holiday goers, closely followed by Ladakh, Goa and
Kerala.
Movies played a key role this
year for domestic travelers
with flicks like "Queen" and
"Ek Tha Tiger" inspiring
vacationers to embark on a
summer holiday, according to a
new survey.

While Kangana Ranaut in
"Queen" travels to locales in
Amsterdam and France, the
'Summer Survey 2014' by
travel portal Yatra released
recently pegged Thailand,
Europe and UK as top
international destinations for
Indian travelers.
Also, actors Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone topped the most
sought after celebrity companions for a holiday, says the survey that
queried respondents on their dream companions. Cricketers Virat
Kohli and M S Dhoni figured in the top five of the list of male
celebrities while Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif made up the list of
desirable female celeb travel companions.

"Highway", "Shaadi ke side effects", "Krrish 3", "Ek tha Tiger" as
well as Hollywood releases like "Wolf of Wall Street" and "Sex on
the City" were cited in the survey which queried people on movies
that inspired them to travel this summer.The annual survey, which
polled a total of 15000 respondents this year and put Kashmir on
top of preferred domestic places for holiday goers, closely followed
by Ladakh, Goa and Kerala.Hill destinations Shimla and Manali
followed by scenic Andaman and Nicobar Islands were also
preferred on travelers wishlist, according to the poll. Compared to
2013, when 93% respondents said they were planning a vacation,
this year only 83% respondents said they planned to go on a
vacation.

"45% polled are willing to spend in the range Rs 25,000 - Rs 40,000
in the year 2014-2015 while 40% travelers were willing to spend Rs
10000 - Rs 20000 for a vacation in the year 2013-2014," says the
survey. Relaxation and adventure sports topped list of activities that
holiday goers said they looked forward to while planning a vacation.
Romantic getaways, backpacking activities and pilgrimage sites
were other top preferences on vacationers minds. While 74%
travelers preferred to take flights, 12% opted to go on trains, 9%
opted for cars, 4% want to go on a bus and 1% chose to go on a
cruise.


































Modi's day out: An average 2,500 km of travel, 14-15 hours of work
It would be hard to say if Modi is not an insomniac
Delhi is 940 km from Gandhinagar. But for Narendra Modi,
the Gujarat chief minister and the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP's) prime ministerial candidate, it might well be
about 300,000 km away. Since February, he has clocked an average 2,500 km a day of campaigning across India.

It would be hard to say if Modi is not an insomniac. His daily routine for the past couple of months suggests he is.
The alarm goes off at 4.30 am. The basic morning chores and an hour-long strict yoga routine prepares Modi for
another day. "No matter when he goes to sleep, he wakes up at 4.30 am every day. Depending on the number of
rallies, he could be going to bed as late as 1 am at times," says a Gujarat BJP member.

The police get busy by 6 am to clear traffic for the chief minister's convoy. Modi catches up on the news and emails
before heading to the airport. At Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, three aircraft, a nine-seater
Bombardier (CL600-2B), an eight-seater Beechcraft (Hawker 850XP) and a 13-seater Embraer (EMB 135-BJ), are
waiting, engines running, to fly Modi to his day's rallies. The aircraft belong to Karnavati Aviation Pvt Ltd, an
Adani Group company.

Modi schedules his departure depending on where he is going. "A rally in Rajasthan will see him leave by 10 am;
that gives him time for other things. For West Bengal, he will leave as early as 6 or 7 am," says a party member.
For places that cannot be reached by aircraft, sources say, the party hires a helicopter. The estimated cost of hiring
Adani's aircraft is Rs 1-2 lakh an hour. Modi has been airborne at least 10-12 hours almost every day for the past
few months.

He has travelled 300,000 km so far, addressing 437 rallies between September 15 and May 10. According to BJP,
its prime ministerial candidate travelled 150,000 km between March 25 and April 30 and 50,000 km between May
1 and May 10. Sources at the Gandhinagar airport say Modi has flown an average 2,500 km a day since February.
Barring a few days, Modi returned to Gandhinagar almost every night by around 11 pm. "Whatever rest is needed,
he takes during flights, though even that is rare," says another party member.

Though Modi is not fussy about food, his team members ensure his day ends with a light Gujarati dinner.
This mostly includes khichdi-kadhi (flavored rice with buttermilk) or bhakhri-shaakh
(Indian bread and vegetables). "He prefers non-spicy food. At times, he tries to catch up
on breakfast mid-flight and lunch during rallies, but he insists on having his dinner at
home," the member adds.

Modi maintains a daily diary, the latest compilation being Sakshi Bhaav.

A CAMPAIGN IN NUMBERS

437 Rallies addressed
5,827 Public events
300,000 km Travelled between Sep 15 and May 10
2,500 km Avg daily travel since Feb
25 States covered


A CAMPAIGN IN NUMBERS





























437 Rallies addressed
5,827 Public events
3lakh km travelled b/w Sep 15-May 10
2,500 km Avg daily travel since Feb
25 States covered

Indian travelers cut short Thailand story as
violence rises again
Cancellations expected to go up to 30% as Indian embassy in Thailand has issued a
fresh travel advisory for travelers
Ahead of the peak season for outbound travel, fresh violence in Thailand, one of the most popular
destination for Indians, has sent holiday plans awry. In the coming days, cancellations are expected to
go up to 30% as the Indian embassy in Thailand has issued a fresh travel advisory for travelers on
Friday, advising precautions for personal safety, including avoiding certain areas.

Every year, about 5, 00,000 Indians visit Bangkok. While the Thai capital has been amidst volatility
recently, the fresh violence following the ouster of Prime Minister of Thailand, Yingluck, is likely to be
a dampener for Indians planning to visit the Thai capital. The outgoing traffic to Bangkok has been
growing at about 15% a year. According to Gour Kanjilal of IATO (Indian Association of Tour
Operators ) the cancellation was already being witnessed as far as Thailand is concerned but this
could go down after the fresh travel advisory. IATO has over 1600 members.

The advisory from the embassy said, Indian tourists and residents in Thailand are advised to take
precautions for their personal safety, including by avoiding the areas mentioned above along with
Lumpini park area, and other places of demonstrations, political gatherings, marches etc. They are
advised to regularly monitor the situation through the local media, hotels, tour operators etc.
Travelers coming from or going to the airport may factor in at least one additional hour for travel
to/from the city in view of potential traffic jams.

Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for Indians now the latest round of instability in the
country would restrict travelers to go there. Already about 20% trips were being canceled as the
country has been amidst violence. This could well may touch around 30% after the PM fiasco,
Kanjilal said, adding that people were either opting for domestic travel or shifting their plans to other
Asian destinations. Leading travel portals are issuing notices to those who have already reached
Bangkok to stay away from locations expected to be volatile.

Shebang Phadkar, senior vice-president and head of leisure travel (outbound), products, contracting,
operations & tour management, Thomas Cook India said, At Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. safety and
security of our customers is of paramount importance and our on-ground managers and local travel
partners have apprised us that they are closely monitoring the developments and will take every
precaution to ensure passengers safety. Thailand, being a short haul destination, its diversity of price
points from value to luxury, has been a top favorite of the Indian traveler and at Thomas Cook India,
we see strong interest for the summer season. Places other than Bangkok which are showing strong
uptake are Krabi, Koh Samui and Phuket.

However, according to Karan Anand of Cox & Kings, important tourist places such as Siam Center,
Siam Discovery, Siam Paragon and CentralWorld Shopping Complexes on Rama I Road as well as
Major Cineplex on Ramkhamhaeng Road are open as normal.

Budget airlines woo biz travelers
Aviation industry is highly seasonal with summer and winter peak seasons
Budget airlines are wooing the business traveler ahead of the launch of two new Indian airlines. GoAir
is revamping its business class product, GoBusiness, with more comfortable seating and SpiceJet is
offering free flights to companies on the purchase of 6-10 tickets.

The aviation industry is highly seasonal with summer and winter peak seasons. All airlines depend on
business travelers for regular traffic. Typically, airlines offer discounts to companies committing a
fixed business during the year. Also companies get waivers on cancellation, free meals and a higher
luggage allowance.

GoAir sells only eight seats in the two front rows of its Airbus A320, keeping the middle seats vacant.
Known as GoBusiness, this effort to attract the business traveler since 2010 has faced a tepid
response. The airline is now improving the offer with more comfortable seats and new upholstery.
The airline has 19 A320s and is reconfiguring seats in its fleet.

GoAir is now aggressively marketing its GoBusiness product. That was not the case earlier, said a
source from the travel industry who did not wish to be named.

We have been working on improving the customer experience. We are investing in product
enhancement and staff training, the GoAir spokesperson said.

SpiceJet recently launched a corporate flyer programme that offers a free flight for six one-way or
three return tickets. There are two free flights for 10 one-way or five return tickets.

GoAir and SpiceJet are trying to catch up with IndiGo which is popular among corporates because of
its on-performance and service. SpiceJet's announcement last week, offering Rs 500 and Rs 1,000
vouchers for flight delays of one and two hours, is aimed at business travelers who value punctuality,
said Anna Singh, assistant managing director of ATPI, a corporate travel management company.

LURING BIZ CLASS

* GoAir sells only eight seats in the two front rows
of its Airbus A320, keeping the middle seats vacant.
Known as GoBusiness, the scheme aims to attract
business travelers as the segment has faced a
tepid response since 2010


* SpiceJet recently launched a corporate flyer
programme that offers a free flight for six
one-way or three return tickets.

ANSWER: GUESS THE PLACES: April 2014

Blue Lagoon Hot Springs Ice Canyon
GUESS THE PLACES: MAY 2014