PATWA NEWS

Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) is organizing World Tourism Minister’s Summit on ‘Sustainable Green Tourism: Need for a Global Strategy’ to be held on 08 March 2012 during ITB Berlin followed by PATWA International Awards. The programme is expected to be attended by a large number of top professionals from hospitality and travel industry, diplomats, business professionals and elites.
The invited speakers include Taleb Rifai, Secretary General, UNWTO; Subodh Kant Sahai, Minister of Tourism, Govt. of India; Sri Ng Yen Yen, Minister of Tourism, Malaysia; Mounir Fakhry AbdelNour, Minister of Tourism, Egypt; Riaan Aucamp, Head of Ministry, Republic of South Africa; Mercedes Araoz, Foreign Commerce and Tourism, Peru; Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica; Gloria R. Guevara Mazo, Secretary of Tourism, Mexico; Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife & Heritage, Uganda; and Sultan Ahmed, Union Minister of State for Tourism, Govt. of India.
PATWA will also observe International Women’s Day with co-operation of United Nations WTO where top women professionals from the tourism, aviation and hospitality sector will be honoured with PATWA International Awards.
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO/OMT) is a specialized agency of the United ‎Nations and the leading international organization in the field of tourism. It serves as a ‎global forum for tourism policy issues and a practical source of tourism know-how.‎
PATWA is the leading travel writers’ organization representing members from all over the world. The aim of PATWA is to promote professional development of Travel Writing and Travel Communication, which will make invaluable contribution in the promotion of tourism. PATWA supports the fundamental objectives and efforts for tourism and at the same time, it maintains adherence to the fundamental principles of the UNESCO, United Nations and of the World Tourism Organization.

UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, has joined industry voices in support of the decision taken by the Obama Administration to implement the necessary measures to improve visa and foreign visitor processing in order to create jobs and spur economic growth in the USA. “It is extremely encouraging to see President Obama calling for a coordinated policy to support a prosperous and secure tourism sector in the USA and, in particular, his recognition of the need to advance travel facilitation by enhancing and expediting visa procedures,” said Rifai.
“For every job created in tourism, another 1.5 jobs are created in other sectors and thus this is a key moment to support the sector. Travel facilitation is closely interlinked with tourism development and can be a vital tool to grow the tourism economy and create jobs. This objective is of particular relevance at a time in which economies are looking to stimulate their exports and economic growth but have limited capacity to use fiscal policy instruments,” added Rifai.
“Let’s realize that in the years ahead, more and more tourists are going to come from countries with rapidly growing economies, huge populations and emerging middle classes; countries like China, India and Brazil,” said Obama as he unveiled a slew of measures, including accelerated visa procedures, to make it easier for tourists from these countries to visit US.
The USA ranks first in the world in terms of international tourism receipts, with foreign exchange from tourism reaching US$ 104 billion in 2010. Its share of global international tourism earnings has nonetheless declined from 17 percent in 2000 to 11 percent in 2010, with travel restrictions following September 11 often pointed to as one of the reasons for the decline.
Indian tourists visiting America in 2010 spent an average of $4,390 each (about ` 2 lakhs at the prevalent rate), toting up $2.86 billion for 651,000 visitors. In contrast, visitors from China and Brazil projected to grow much more than tourists from India (by 135% and 274% respectively), splurged $ 5000 and $ 6000 respectively per visit. For nearly one-third of Indian tourists, whose average age is 43 and average stay in America six weeks, the US was their first foreign travel.

Event managers can do anything, but one thing they should not be is boring. Customers and guests’ demands are growing day by day, and so there is a constant need for new ideas. This is exactly what event planners will be getting at MICE Day at ITB Berlin on 7th March 2012. The keynote will set the tone for a fascinating event when Stephan Meyer, well-known for his unorthodox approach, will be merrily issuing instructions to throw conventions overboard.
Anyone looking to meet the industry’s opinion-formers, leading event planners and service providers and intent on cultivating relations with colleagues will find no other meeting offering more under one roof. As part of the ITB Business Travel Days, this one-day session offers MICE organizers a packed range of advanced training options with concrete solutions, a manual for a successful event. Discussion will focus on why communication objectives must be clearly formulated ahead of events, how emotive story telling works, and what the legal pitfalls are. Among the speakers will be leading experts such as Matthias Kindler, Managing Director of The Companies, Friederike von der Marwitz, Head of Marwitz Akademie and Mandy Risch-Kerst, a Lawyer who specialises in legal matters concerning events.
Dr. Simon C. Woodward of Leeds Metropolitan University will present the findings of a survey entitled ‘Corporate Social Responsibility in the Meetings and Hospitality Industry’. The organizers of the convention taking place in the capital from 18-20th June 2012 will provide a fascinating insight into event industry trends of the future.
Holders of a trade visitor pass for ITB Berlin can attend lectures at MICE Day at no extra cost. Once again Vereinigung Deutscher Veranstaltungsorganisatoren, the partners of the event, will be guaranteeing highest standards. A new exhibition area next to the lecture hall will provide decision-makers and executives with an opportunity to meet and talk.

The number of nations whose citizens are eligible for visas on arrival (VoA) in India is likely to be expanded to include 13 countries largely from Europe, south-east and central Asia after a review convened by the PMO felt security conditions need not be a hurdle to promote tourism. Countries that could be offered VoA include Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, Spain, France, Germany, Sweden, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Brazil and South Africa. At the meeting it was made clear that security cannot be invoked to strike down important government initiatives.
Home ministry has been asked to work on details of the proposed visa regime in a manner that factors in security concerns by utilizing information-sharing agreements with Asean and the European Union while ensuring that travel to India becomes less hassle-free. Ramping up tourist numbers is seen as a significant revenue earner with 600,000 foreign visitors a year being a miniscule proportion of global tourism. With timely intervention, the sector can grow much faster than the 24 million jobs currently targeted in the 12th Plan. So far, the VoA scheme has registered modest success with over 10,000 visas issued last year.
At present, 13 countries whose nationals can avail a visa on arrival include Finland, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Singapore, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Laos and Myanmar. But the list excludes more populous nations even in the Asean who can be tapped for a much larger tourist footfall.
Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahai, said, "Government is aware of the urgent need to develop infrastructure to ensure there is adequate connectivity, hotel room availability and facilities for tourists. The government is also drawing lessons from European countries that have leveraged tourism to tide over financial woes.”
Besides increasing VoA facility to four additional airports, including Goa, Hyderabad, Kochi and Bengaluru, the PMO has asked the Civil Aviation Ministry to improve the facilities in the existing airports of Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai so that tourists do not have to stand for hours for emigration and other clearances.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced global traffic results for November showing a softening in passenger markets while air cargo markets remained weak compared to levels attained earlier in the year. Passenger traffic was 4.3 percent above November 2010 levels but this is skewed as November 2010 was a particularly weak month. The softening in passenger markets becomes apparent when comparing to the previous month (October 2011). This shows a 0.5 percent decline on a seasonally-adjusted basis. Freight markets were 3.1 percent below November 2010 levels despite a 1.1 percent increase on October 2011 performance.
“Weak global economic performance is being reflected in air transport markets. Freight markets have contracted some 4 percent compared to January. Although passenger markets have had some growth relative to the beginning of the year– about 2 percent– the trend has been both soft and volatile. Continuing economic uncertainty will likely mean market shortcomings deepening as we enter 2012,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO.
Globally, passenger load factors have fallen sharply to 76.3 percent from 78.5 percent in October. This shows that the weakness in passenger demand is outpacing airlines’ ability to adjust capacity accordingly. Regional differences are sharp. While North American carriers saw a 0.8 percent decline in travel, carriers in the Middle East experienced a 10.1 percent increase, followed by 9.0 percent for Latin American airlines.

Nov 2011 vs. Nov 2010	RPK Growth	ASK Growth	PLF	FTK Growth	AFTK Growth
International	4.0%	5.2%	74.6	-3.8%	1.9%
Domestic	4.7%	2.8%	79.2	2.0%	1.9%
Total Traffic	4.3%	4.3%	76.3	-3.1%	1.9%

YTD 2011 vs. YTD 2010	RPK Growth	ASK Growth	PLF	FTK Growth	AFTK Growth
International	6.9%	8.3%	77.5	-0.5%	5.3%
Domestic	4.2%	3.0%	79.4	-2.2%	-0.1%
Total Traffic	5.9%	6.3%	78.2	-0.7%	4.1%

International Passenger Markets
International travel markets continue to be weaker than domestic markets. Compared to October, international demand contracted by 1.5 percent while domestic demand grew by 1.3 percent. International travel markets continue to be weaker than domestic markets. Compared to October, international demand contracted by 1.5 percent while domestic demand grew by 1.3 percent.
Domestic Passenger Markets
Overall domestic performance was better than that of international markets with 4.7 percent year-on-year growth in November and an average load factor of 79.2 percent. Sharp differences remained between the major markets.
Air Freight (Domestic and International)
Air freight markets continued their decline in line with weak economic performance and falling business confidence. International markets declined by 3.8 percent. This was offset by 2.0 percent growth in domestic markets. Nonetheless, system wide demand shrank by 3.1 percent in comparison with November 2010. International freight load factors have declined 6 percentage points from their peak in mid-2010. While freighter capacity has been adjusted to meet demand, belly cargo capacity follows the trend in passenger demand.
The Bottom Line
“This year the story of aviation’s importance is even more compelling as governments around the world seek solutions to economic uncertainty. Economic growth is the only durable solution. Aviation can be a catalyst for that growth. But that depends on governments allowing airlines to get on with the business of providing global connectivity. The New Year’s resolution for every government with respect to aviation should be to stop over-taxation or mis-regulation of this vital economic driver,” said Tyler.

Best Western International’s Expansion Plans

DAVID KONG
President and CEO, Best Western International Inc, USA

Best Western International Inc, USA is planning 66 new hotels in India within the next five years as part of the company’s aggressive business expansion plans and its continued focus on the growing needs of the Indian hospitality industry. These hotels will be spread across the country in Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities with a special focus on key manufacturing and trading cities. Best Western’s expansion plans will see an inflow of ` 1600 crore investments into the Indian hospitality industry. These expansion plans will reiterate the company’s leadership position as the fastest growing hotel chain in the country.
David Kong, President and CEO, Best Western International Inc, USA, said, “India is one of the fastest growing geography for the company and we are confident of meeting the hospitality needs across all segments of travelers in India. Best Western International is focused on expansion of its presence in India and is confident that India will play a prominent role in the global growth plan of the company. The company plans to open 10-15 hotels every year in India and will also focus on the growth opportunity beyond the metros where quality hospitality is just emerging especially in the Tier 2- Tier 3 cities.”
He added, “Best Western sees an opportunity across different segments in the country and is equipped to meet the market needs with its three ranges of hotels– Best Western, Best Western Plus and Best Western Premier. The renewed focus is part of Best Western’s commitment to understanding and meeting the growing needs of customers in India.”
To meet the needs of the Indian hospitality industry, Best Western will now focus on new areas of growth besides its continuing thrust on the three star segments with Best Western. The new focus areas of growth will be the four star hotel categories with Best Western Plus and five star hotel categories with Best Western Premier properties. 60 percent will be in the four star and five star categories and the remaining 40 percent will be three star hotels. The company plans to have 20 five star properties (Best Western Premier) within the next five years.

Emirates Airline has upgraded its arrivals facilities at London’s Heathrow Airport with a lounge for First Class and Business Class passengers using the airline’s complimentary Chauffeur-drive service. The lounge, which opened recently, is situated close to the kerbside in the arrivals area of Heathrow’s Terminal 3 and serves passengers arriving on Emirates’ five daily services to the airport, complementing the airline’s dedicated airside departures lounge, also available to First Class and Business Class outbound passengers.
Laurie Berryman, Vice President- UK & Ireland, Emirates, said, “Heathrow is our biggest UK airport operation, with two of our five flights served by Emirates A380s and we anticipate that around 200 passengers will use the Chauffeur-drive lounge every day. By opening this new facility, we are ensuring that all our First Class and Business Class passengers experience seamless journeys from their aircraft seat to their luxury chauffeured vehicle.”
The facility includes seating for up to 30 people with tea, coffee, beverages and snacks. Newspapers and magazines are available, along with a TV showing satellite news and a business area with desktop computers and complimentary WiFi throughout.

WelcomHotel Sheraton Rajputana is now ITC Rajputana, a Luxury Collection Hotel. As a Luxury Collection Hotel, the ITC Rajputana provides its guests indigenous, exceptional experiences of Rajasthan that celebrate the history and culture of this royal state. Strongly rooted in the ethos of the land, ITC Rajputana is a tribute to the mighty ‘Rajputana’ dynasty that defined this region.Rajasthan’s first and only LEED Platinum Certified hotel, the ITC Rajputana personifies responsible luxury. Its continued commitment of over two decades to take luxury beyond its traditional trappings and provide exceptional moments to its guests has elevated ITC Rajputana to the exclusive luxury collection.
According to Dipak Haksar, COO, ITC Hotels, “ITC Hotels has an exclusive tie-up with Starwood in bringing in its premium brand, ‘The Luxury Collection’ to India and it is a matter of pride to have ITC Rajputana as part of this prestigious collection of hotels. The hotel is infact, a testimony to the growth the Pink City has witnessed while keeping together its tradition and values.”With this, India’s most famous tourist circuit, ‘The Golden Triangle’ now has a strong presence of ITC Hotels– The Luxury Collection in all its three destinations: ITC Rajputana, Jaipur; ITC Mughal, Agra and ITC Maurya, New Delhi. This also increases the footprint of ITC luxury hotels to nine, covering all the premier business and luxury destinations of India. The Luxury Collection is the third largest luxury hotel brand in the world, and is famed for its collection of over 60 hotels globally.

This March, rub shoulders, talk, interact, exchange viewpoints, wine and dine with the best in the hospitality industry at HI-AIM 2012. HI-AIM, 2012 is India’s First Global Hospitality Summit that focuses on interior design, architecture and the management elements of the industry which is slated for March 22-23 at Hotel Le-Meridian, New Delhi. The two-day ‘high-aimed’ conference and exposition has been designed and conceptualized to present an interactive platform for hoteliers, hotel brands, architects, designers, manufacturers and professionals.
The Summit is the culmination of ideas and organisation by the quartet of Romesh Kaul, Neeraj Kodesia, Pankaj Kodesia and Anil Sharma. The four of them bring on the table diverse and rich backgrounds, all within specialist niches of the hospitality sector.
Designed and conceptualized as an interactive platform, the summit will see and exchange of new ideas and business plans. Hospitality bigwigs, design gurus, entrepreneurs, professionals and trendsetters will be key speakers and panellists and they will put forth key issues and emerging trends in the hospitality industry. The areas of discussion will be diverse- design and development, sustainability, trends and forecasts, product innovations. The mega event will also present an elaborate exposition, featuring as many as 50 niche brands, showcasing state-of-the-art products, which are the part of the hospitality industry. Lebua, IHG, Hyatt, Under One Roof Consultants have already officially confirmed their presence for the event.

This time discussions and debates of TAAI convention will be in the plate of Turkey. The 60th Diamond Jubilee Convention of India’s oldest travel trade association, TAAI will be held at Istanbul, a beautiful city of a cultural country Turkey from 11-13th March 2012. The dream of organizing this biggest event in Turkey came true after the open invitation of Turkish Indian Tourism Council (TITC) and Turkish Government. TAAI is expecting more than 1500 delegates from all over the world for this convention.
“Turkey is an exciting and upcoming outbound destination for India and the convention will be a big step in boosting tourism exchange between the two countries,” said Iqbal Mulla, President TAAI, during the press conference. On the question of larger participation and convention at foreign place, he said, “Our primary aim of organizing this event overseas is to ensure that the member, agent gets an opportunity to see and experience the destination.”
H.E. Dr. Burak Akcapar, Ambassador to India of the Republic of Turkey, expressed his happiness of holding the show and said, “I am confident that 2012 will be a landmark year in Turkish-Indian friendship. TAAI convention in Turkey will be a milestone event in our rewarding efforts to promote people-to-people and business-to business ties between the two countries.
Newly built Hotel Green Park, Pendik in Istanbul is all set ready for this big event. The 60th Convention and Exhibition, which coincides with the 60th year of Turkish Indian Tourism Council, will create a platform for fostering bilateral trade relations among the travel trade fraternity of India and Turkey.
Same expression of pride and honour was showed by Sunil Kumar, Secretary General, TAAI. “Turkey is a great destination with many India friendly features. What Indians normally look forward to in an overseas experience is possible in Turkey. Though not a very popular outbound destination, TAAI convention will bring plenty of benefits to both Turkey and India,” he said.

Come March 2012, India will see celebrated designers; style gurus and fashion educators from across the globe converge in the vibrant city of Jaipur, Rajasthan under the auspicious of the 14th Annual Conference of International Foundation of Fashion Technology Institutes (IFFTI). IFFTI which is a leading international forum for the fashion industry that has metamorphosed into a significant gathering of industry shapers begins on March 17, 2012. Pearl Academy of Fashion, which has a campus in Chennai, is proud host of the five day event in India. The theme of the IFFTI 2012 conference is ‘Fashion Beyond Borders’ and addresses issues such as multicultural identities, virtual connections, commercial opportunities and educational responses amongst others.
The conference is scheduled to include prominent names from the fashion sector including Yohji Yamamoto, Romeo Gigli, Simon Lock, Jeffry Aronsson, Rajeev Sethi, Manish Arora, Ram, Sareen, Christopher Sanderson– drawn from all corners of the world to share their thoughts and vision on the business of fashion. Think tanks in Design, Technology and Business of fashion from 40 member institutions of IFFTI representing 19 countries, along with large enterprises and institutes from India, will converge to discuss issues and opportunities pertaining to the vibrant and rapidly evolving sector.
Dr. Satoshi Onuma, Chairperson, IFFTI, said, “The idea of fashion has struck a universal chord with multiple fashion weeks occurring across continents. Despite these global market trends, Fashion and Design haven’t quite evolved as mainstream career options in India. The fashion and design excellence being brought into India through IFFTI will place India on the global platform of fashion education and change mindsets significantly.”

Centara Hotels & Resorts has announced that its latest hotel in Pattaya, Centara Pattaya Hotel, soft-opened recently. The hotel joins two other Pattaya properties that are currently open, and a third that is at present under construction. Centara Pattaya Hotel is located in Central Pattaya, within a few minutes' walk of the beach, and is a new-build property offering 152 rooms and
suites, including family-friendly units.
Suthikiati Chirathivat, Chairman of the Executive Board, Central Plaza Hotel Public Company, said, "We are very happy to announce that Centara Pattaya Hotel has opened. This is another very significant step in our strategic development of the Pattaya market. The hotel is part of our core Centara brand, and complements our existing Grand and Boutique Collection brands in Pattaya. We therefore are widening our appeal in the market. Pattaya, we believe, has enormous potential for growth."
Austin Robinson, General Manager, Centara Pattaya Hotel says that the location is ideal for independent travellers, couples and families, and that the facilities of the hotel are designed to match the requirements of these different categories of guest. "Becoming the latest member of the Centara family is very exciting for us, and my team and I look forward to welcoming and serving our guests," he said.
The hotel's all-day dining restaurant, Mix Bistro, seats 120 guests and offers a comprehensive a la carte menu combining international cuisines and authentic Thai flavours together with a buffet breakfast to be enjoyed either indoors or by the terrace overlooking the swimming pool.

Malaysia Airlines is now serving a new selection of premium wine and champagne labels from France, Germany, Spain, Australia and Portugal which are known for their great class and elegance. This service is part of the airline’s continued efforts to position itself as the preferred premium carrier of Asia. The top-class premium wine is offered to First Class passengers on the London, Amsterdam and Sydney routes as well as Business class customers on all the airline’s international routes. Malaysia Airlines has appointed Dr. Ron Georgiou, Master of Wine, as an exclusive wine consultant to recommend premium world-class wine experience to its esteemed customers.
Customers on First class can look forward to an excellent list of red and white wines such as Dom Perignon 2002 champagne, Chateau Leoville Poyferre Grand Cru red Bordeaux and Frederic Magnien Meursault white Burgundy. Business class customers will also take pleasure in being served an international selection of champagne, Rieslings and Chardonnays, and a variety of old and new world reds. Each pouring is also paired with suitable food choices to ensure maximum satisfaction.
S. Pushpalatha, Senior V.P, Customer Experience, Malaysia Airlines, said, “Malaysia Airlines is delighted to be able to share Dr. Ron's expertise and passion with our customers. Though this is our first time working with him, his past collaboration with various world class organizations has highlighted his immense talent, knowledge and creativity and we are certain that this will bring our customers' an enhanced experience the next time they fly us."

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) signed a Memorandum of Co-operation for a joint venture with Yunnan Tourism to engage in development, construction, operation and management of two hotels in Kunming Expo Garden, situated in Yunnan province of southwest China. The agreement was signed by Abhijit Mukerji, Executive Director, IHCL and Ge Bao-rong, General Manager, Yunnan Tourism in the presence of the Chinese Ambassador to India, His Excellency Zhang Yan.
Abhijit Mukerji, Executive Director, IHCL, said, “The Indian Hotel Company’s presence in Kunming is critical for our selective global expansion plan because of its strategic location with access to key markets like Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Laos. It is a major communication and transport hub in China having good connectivity with the domestic Chinese tourism circuit. The entry of Taj and Vivanta by Taj brands in Kunming offers an exciting opportunity to establish the brands in the Chinese market.”
Taj already has management contracts in place for a landmark hotel, Taj Temple of Heaven Beijing, in close proximity to the Temple of Heaven Park in Beijing. Taj will also manage a 300-key luxury resort in Hainan IslaAbhijit Mukherji, Executive Director, IHCL and Ge Bao-Rong, General Manager, Yunnan Tourism at the signing of the MoCnd, the premium resort destination in China. This MoC has been done with the support of Strategic European Investment Management (SEIM) who is the representative of IHCL in China.
Ge Bao-rong, General Manager, Yunnan Tourism, said, “We are delighted to partner with The Indian Hotels Company Limited to bring the Taj legendary service to the Yunnan province and China. We are confident that their expertise of the Indian and international markets combined with our understanding of the Chinese market will be immensely helpful in developing world class hotels at the historical Kunming Expo Garden.”

Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI) has been formed as a non-profit organization comprising outbound tour operators and travel agents as members. The need was felt for a voice for the outbound agents with the concerned authorities, and to safeguard consumers and international suppliers by taking up their cause on global and domestic issues to enhance market efficiency and ensure customer protection. The executive committee of the association comprises of the following members:

Special focus of OTOAI will be on arbitration for both customers and its members. The Arbitration Committee will deal with all cases in a fair and just manner, and the ruling passed thereafter will be final for both parties involved, whether it is an issue for an international supplier, a customer or its member. OTOAI will take it upon itself to provide support for its members from knowledge building, trainings and innovation to setting the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in the industry and its management. It will also promote entrepreneurship and collaboration with stakeholders.

WelcomHeritage Jukaso Ganges at Varanasi, the latest addition to the WelcomHeritage Portfolio would start enchanting its visitors from mid January 2012 onwards. This majestic property built on sloped embankments called the Guleria Ghat on the banks of the Holy Ganga River, is close to the famous Dasaswamedh Ghat and accessible by boat from the Dasaswamedh Ghat epitomizing a fascinating short Journey to the Hotel. The property represents the famous riverfront architecture of Benaras.
WH Jukaso Ganges is located in Varanasi, commonly known as Benaras or Banaras and Kashi, a city situated on the river Ganges. It is often said Varanasi is a melting pot, where both death and life come together. Being one of the oldest and continuously inhabited cities of cities of the world and probably the oldest city in India, it is regarded as a Holy City by the Hindus, Buddhists and Jains, all for the right reasons.
The charming WH Jukaso Ganges has been made from sandstone quarried from the Chunar area which has been extensively used in the structural beams and columns of this property. The Hotel has 15 well appointed rooms and most of them are east facing which provide the guests with the advantage of a river view and a soothing breeze blowing off it. The hotel has a multi-cuisine restaurant with a business centre with complementary WiFi for use at the Hotel along with all the modern facilities. One can rejuvenate the senses at The Spa, which is still under renovation at the property and would be operational soon.

Eurail Group G.I.E. has announced that Slovakia has joined the Eurail Global Pass early this month. The national railway of Slovakia will be included in the classic Eurail Global Pass offer, which permits unlimited rail travel throughout a range of validity periods for either continuous travel periods or flexible travel days in 23 countries. Discounts are offered to groups of two or more and to young people under the age of 26. Prices start from just 30 euros a day for a 15 day Global Saver Pass.
Slovakia has evolved into a popular European tourist destination and was ranked second among the top adventurous destinations in the world. The Slovakian railway covers 3616 kilometers (2247 miles) and is connected with the pan-European railway network of the surrounding countries of Hungary, Austria and the Czech Republic. Travelling with the Eurail Global Pass makes a rail journey through some of continental Europe’s most undiscovered countries a tangible reality. Rail travel offers a relaxing, comfortable and convenient way to enjoy the diverse landscapes, cultures and European sights.
“We are delighted ZSSK (the Slovakian railway) will give Eurail Global Pass holders access to their railway, expanding the passes range to 23 European countries. With the inclusion of Slovakia into our product range, we hope that Eurail Passes continue to appeal to customers long into the future. It’s vital that rail transportation is sustainable in the long term,” said Marketing Director, Ana Dias e Seixas.

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