Journey Post

1. Department of Tourism wins PATA Grand and Gold Awards
(February 2005)
PATA Grand Awards recognises exceptional achievement in a variety of endeavours, bringing acclaim to the best the region's travel industry has to offer. The winning projects set industry standards for excellence and innovation.

The Department of Tourism has won awards in the following categories:

• PATA Grand Award, 2005, in the Heritage (HE) Category, for the Ajanta Ellora Conservation and Tourism Development Project
• PATA Gold Award, 2005, in the Print Media (AD-P) Category, for the Incredible Taj ads.

2. Ananda in the Himalayas Tops Conde Nast
(February 2005)
The discerning readers of Conde Nast Traveler have, in the UK Feb 2005 issue, chosen Ananda as the Number One Overseas Destination Spa. Rating criteria included ambience, accommodation, cuisine, and body treatments, and Ananda scored consistently, getting an impressive 98.62, pushing last year's winner, Chiva-Som (Thailand) into second place with 97.34. The scores also took Ananda to the top of the World's Top 25 Spa Retreats list. Como Shambhala (Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos) came in second there, with 98.46.

Ananda is a unique destination spa, located in the picturesque foothills of the Himalayas, the birthplace of India's ancient arts of Yoga, Meditation and Ayurveda. Set amongst 100 acres of virgin sal forest, once the residence of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal, Ananda is dedicated to today's traveler, who is looking for innovative ways to rest and rejuvenate. Ananda features a restored Viceroy's Palace, a world-class spa, 75 deluxe rooms and suites with breathtaking views of the Ganges River and the Himalayas.

The 21,000 square foot spa offers an extensive menu of over 79 body and beauty treatments, integrating the traditional Indian systems of Ayurveda with the more contemporary Western spa approach. The spa experience strives to achieve the ultimate harmony between the physical and the mental realms of the individual.

3. India Top Five Tourist Destination Lonely Planet Pulse Survey
(February 2005)
20,000 respondents from over 167 countries participated in the annual Lonely Planet Pulse Survey. After Australia, rated as the top global destination, the most desired destinations to visit were Chile, Brazil, New Zealand and India. "A vast majority of travelers would rather explore a new culture than chill out 95% of respondents said that exploring other cultures when traveling is important or very important to them," the survey said. Given her rich cultural heritage, it is not surprising that India made it to the final five.

4. Indian Airlines announces Bumper Super Saver Scheme
(February 2005)
It's time for domestic flyers get their share of cheer. Indian Airlines has launched a 'Bumper Super Saver' offer under which 16 flight coupons to any destination in India are available for Rs 65,000.

The tickets under this scheme will be valid for one year from the date of issue. The scheme does not require advance purchase and has no other booking condition.

A coupon can be used for any domestic sector except four sectors on which two coupons will be required for one flight. These sectors are Delhi to Kochi, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram or Coimbatore and vice versa.

5. Air Sahara set to fly to Kuala Lumpur & Singapore
(March 2005)
Air Sahara has announced the launch of its inaugural flights between Delhi - Singapore from 11th May, 2005 and Chennai - Kuala Lumpur from 14th May, 2005. The airline is offering an introductory return airfare of Rs 10,000 for both sectors and the sale of tickets for both sectors will open from March 30, 2005.