UBM India inaugurates the Silver Jubilee edition of SATTE

India’s Leading Travel and Tourism Show 

- The second edition of SATTE Awards goes underway

Mumbai, January 31^st 2018: UBM India inaugurated the Silver Jubilee edition of SATTE, South Asia’s leading travel and tourism exhibition at the Le Meridien, New Delhi. Scheduled for 31st January – 2nd February 2018 at Pragati Maidan, the signature exhibition in its 25^th year is all set to play host to over 1,000 exhibitors and represent over 50 countries and 28 Indian states.

The glittering inaugural ceremony, which was held as a prelude to the expo, witnessed the presence of some of the most prominent personalities from the travel and trade industry of India. Chief Guest Mr. KJ Alphons, Minister for Tourism (I/C), Govt. of India, along with Mr. T.S. Rawat, Chief Minister, Uttarakhand; Mr. Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog; Mr. Faiyaz Koya, Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism Fiji; Mr. I Gde Pitana Dy. Tourism Minister, Indonesia; Mr. Bo Keun Choi, Senior Officer, Regional Programme for Asia and the Pacific, UNWTO; Mr. Subhash Goyal, Member, National Tourism Advisory Committee; Mr. Navin Berry, Founder, SATTE; Mr. Michael Duck, Executive Vice President, UBM Asia and Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, UBM India inaugurated the show amidst an august industry gathering from the travel and trade fraternity.

SATTE provides a comprehensive platform to domestic and international buyers and professionals from across the travel, tourism and hospitality industry along with National and State Tourism Boards (NTOs and STOs) to congregate and conduct business, arrive at solution-driven innovations to counteract economic uncertainties, and promote inbound, outbound and domestic tourism in India. This most favoured industry platform is also well supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Govt. of India.

Over a span of three days, SATTE 2018 will witness to several exciting partnerships and announcements that promise to augur in new trends in the industry. Visitors at the signature expo can expect to witness a number of features including a special pavilion of 10 start-ups, as well as a live show at ‘Colors of SATTE’ apart from other captivating activities. This year, SATTE is also happy to engage its exhibitors and visitors to pledge for sustainable tourism under the unique I-Pledge scheme where they pledge to conserve natural reserve; respect and save wildlife; say no to plastic; dispose waste smartly and travel responsibly.  Over 30,000 pledges have been registered at last count.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Silver Jubilee edition of SATTE, Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, UBM India said, “The tourism industry has been a major engine in the economic growth of India. While it contributes almost 7% to nation’s GDP, it also provides over 12% of the total employment in terms of jobs. The industry itself has been growing at an unparalleled rate. This is evident from the very fact that the country is now ranked 40th in the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index in 2017, a huge leap of 25 places from 2013. As the disposable income rises and more Indians travel, the industry is only poised to flourish further.”

“From hosting tourism boards from across the nation and the world under one roof to providing a unique opportunities for discussions pertaining to trending subjects like sustainable tourism, travel technology, skill development by acknowledged industry thought leaders, SATTE has carved a unique place as the most comprehensive industry platforms in the country. This year, we are proud to achieve a milestone with the Silver Jubilee edition of SATTE, celebrating and encapsulating 25 year’s of success in the domain. With an aim to analyze and forecast trends and developments in the travel trade industry along with helping businesses prosper, SATTE 2018 promises not only constructive but also informative and engaging three days”, he further added.

Addressing the gathering at the event, Mr. I Gde Pitana Dy. Tourism Minister, Indonesia said, “Almost half a million tourists from India visited Indonesia in 2017 which is a 29 per cent growth over 2016. Similarly, the number of Indonesian tourists in India has increased by 7 per cent. While 98% of all tourists are satisfied with their visit in Indonesia, 90% find it above their expectations. With Indonesia hosting the Asian Games this year, we expect the tourism sector to further benefit from it.”

Record participation:

From Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Goa & Odisha and Himachal Pradesh to Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Jharkhand, Andaman and West Bengal, SATTE 2018 is featuring an array of State Tourism Boards, with many of them increasing their presence at the 25th edition. The eight North Eastern states are participating under the Incredible India Pavilion of the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India.

As far as NTOs are concerned, Spain, Peru, Czech Republic, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, Turkey, Philippines, Japan, South Korea, Fiji, New Zealand, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Israel, Sharjah, Dubai, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan, Mauritius, Indonesia, Abu Dhabi, Visit Russia, Visit Florida and Las Vegas and Oman, amongst others will be showcasing their destination and launches. SATTE 2018 is witnessing return of Taiwan, Mauritius, Bangladesh, Philippines on the floor. While Turkey, Thailand, Srilanka and Dubai are Partner countries, Mauritius and Madame Tussauds are feature destination and feature attraction respectively. Similarly, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Goa, Odisha and Jammu & Kashmir are Partner States for this year with the show being supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India.

In its 25^th edition, the expo has witnessed an increase in participation from an array of hospitality players and products such as -- Movenpick, Neemrana, Treebo, Sterling Resorts, Minor Hotels, Dusit, Melia Hotels International, Shangri -La Hotels and Resorts, DS Group, Choice Hotels, Abad Hotels, Lords

Hotels, Alcon Victor Goa, Zen and Singge Palace from Ladakh, Grand Imperial Agra, Somatheeram, Ramada Kerala, Ananta Resorts, Venetian Cotai, Ayana Resorts Bali,  Marasa Africa, Banyan Tree,  Disneyworld Paris, EuropeCar, The Ultimate Travelling Camp and many more.

Insightful conferences:

One of the key features of SATTE 2018 is the conference programme from January 31 to February 2 that promises industry discussions and sharing of new insights pertaining to the sector and industry best practices. Moreover, SATTE is hosting six panel discussions that will bring together stakeholders of the industry on a single platform, allowing exchange of ideas that will add value to Indian tourism at large. The sessions of the conference will touch on topics such as – ‘How to realize effective collaboration between stakeholders for sustainable tourism? How can we achieve the successful journey to 2030?’; ‘Visa Reforms & Tourism Growth’; Travel Technology; MICE, Cruise Tourism and Niche Tourism to name a few. The three day conference will also see destination presentations by tourism boards such as -- Czech Tourism, Egypt, Dubai, Ho Chi Minh City, West Bengal; a product presentation by Tragly and a Workshop and a panel discussion on Skill Development in the Hospitality Sector.

Recognising the Best:

As a pre-cursor to the expo, UBM India is hosting the second edition of the SATTE Awards. The awards is an endeavour to recognize and celebrate the excellence, achievements and innovations of key stakeholders in the Travel and Tourism industry  and is based on transparent, authentic and genuine parameters, a philosophy which is imbibed in the values of SATTE. The awards night also includes networking opportunities, presentations and other features. The 23 categories of awards cover various segments of the travel and tourism industry including tour operators, hotels, destinations, online travel portals, to name just a few. In just its second year, the Awards have received an overwhelming response from the travel and industry.

SATTE continues to receive the support of international organizations and Indian travel trade associations such as World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), United Federation of Travel Agents Associations (UFTAA), Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), India Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB), Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI), Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI) and IATA Agents Association of India (IAAI), to name a few.

Vision RX Lab introduces Blumax- Protective lenses

Protect Eyes from harmful UV & Blue Light

Kolkata, 30th January, 2017: Vision Rx Lab, has achieved another milestone by introducing Blumax protective lenses for the consumers in the Indian market.

Be it indoors or outdoors, our eyes are exposed to the harmful blue light emitted by the Sun, digital devices, even CFL and LED lights. Since sunlight also carries harmful blue light besides UV rays, it is pertinent to take optimum protection from such harmful rays both indoors and outdoors. Besides increasing usage of such digital devices as computers, laptops, smart phones, tablets, television etc. leave us vulnerable to the dangers of “blue light”. Studies have shown that blue light in the visible light spectrum has very high energy which is harmful to the eyes. It has almost twice the energy per photon as red light that causes serious vision impairment like cataracts and other eye related issues.

Prolonged exposure to blue light causes digital eye strain, aggravates computer vision syndrome, blurry vision, eye irritation, headaches, neck and back pain and other aesthanopic symptoms. It also disrupts the circadian rhythm, suppresses melatonin- the sleep inducing hormone and might induce or exaggerate myopia, age related macular degeneration etc and can even cause irreversible vision loss.

To help combat harmful effects of blue light & UV rays, Vision Rx Lab introduced Blumax, a revolutionary material by virtue of which harmful UV rays and high energy blue light get absorbed. Unlike most other blue cut lens, Blumax is a material itself and not any coating. Blumax ensures filtering of the harmful portion of Blue Violet light to a great extent, thus providing optimum vision protection.

In addition to its unique quality of protection against UV rays, it also come with more additional features such as super-hydrophobic, anti-scratch, anti-static, anti-reflection and smudge resistance qualities.

Speaking on this new innovation, Mr.Sanjiv Kumar Gupta, CEO, Vision RX Lab, said, “What makes Blumax unique is that these lenses are designed to fit all prescriptions including single vision, bifocal and progressive, allowing users to avail the benefits of blue light protection along with their individual prescriptions. Besides, it also comes with wide range of coating options to make the lens durable and easy to clean.  Since its launch, Blumax has become a preferred blue light blocking lens product for its advanced lens technology and the entire Rx support it offers. We are really proud to offer Indian customers this unique technology which is solution of all eye related problems.”

Celebrate Goa Carnaval 2018, just few more days to go…

Goa Carnaval is round the corner, and the state of Goa is all gearing up for the much-awaited festival of the year.

It’s time to book your tickets to Goa and enjoy the four day festival in different cities that will keep you on your toes all through the festivity. Enjoy the parades, the dances and the Goan traditional music that will keep you energetic and enthralled throughout the show.

This year, Carnaval will be held from Feb 10 to 13, 2018 collaborating with the most happening Goa Food and Cultural Festival. Float parades in the four major cities will be held as follows:  Panjim on 10th February, Margao on 11th, February, Vasco on 12th February and Mapusa on 13th February.   

The Goa Food and Cultural festival will begin from Jan 9th and will conclude on Jan 13th, 2018. One can enjoy and experience the unique flavors of Goa here at the five day festival. The festival will also consist of musical programs, a line-up of food stalls, entertainment and a lot more.

So, make it a date and be in Goa this February to experience the uniqueness the state has to offer to all its visitors.

Result declared- Intermediate Examination held in the month of November, 2017 (Mum Feb)

The Chartered Accountants Intermediate (IPC) Examination is held twice in a year in the months of May and November.  

I. Details of top three rank holders on All India Basis for Chartered Accountants Intermediate (IPC) Examination held in November, 2017 are mentioned below:

	All India Topper First Rank	All India Second Rank	All India Third Rank
Name	Jay Dharemendrabhai Sheth	Susarla Aravind Jayaram	Simran Kessar
City	Ahmedabad	Kolkata	Navi Mumbai
Roll No.	104585	212685	251287
Marks	530 / 700	526 / 700	521 / 700
Percentage %	75.71%	75.14%	74.43 %
Phone	7046000824	8600104272	9167081910

The above details are also attached at Annexure-A. 

II. The result analysis of the Chartered Accountants Intermediate (IPC) Examination  in terms of number of candidates appeared, number of candidates passed and the pass percentage is mentioned in the attachment at Annexure-B.

III. For your reference, placed below is the data for Chartered Accountants Intermediate (IPC) Examination held in November 2017.

• No of candidates admitted in Intermediate November 2017 Exams – 2, 13, 585
• No. of Exam Centers for Intermediate November 2017 -  419

___________________________________________________________

Wipro takes minority stake in Harte Hanks, an omni-channel marketing services leader

Companies working together to offer marketing technology solutions that address the needs of Chief Marketing Officers

Bangalore, India and San Antonio, Texas, USA - January 24, 2018: Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO), a leading global information technology, consulting and business process services company and Harte Hanks (NYSE: HHS), today announced that Wipro LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of Wipro Limited) will invest $9.9 million in Harte Hanks and both companies will expand their existing partnership to offer end-to-end marketing technology services to customers. Harte Hanks is a U.S.-based global marketing services company specializing in omni-channel marketing solutions including consulting, strategic assessment, data, analytics, digital, social, mobile, print, direct mail and contact center.

As part of their existing partnership, Wipro and Harte Hanks are jointly marketing Opera Solutions’ Signal Hub platform, an advanced big data analytics and machine learning platform that enables clients to deliver a contextually relevant and personalized customer experience. Wipro’s strong understanding of industry verticals, cognitive & analytical capabilities and process automation combined with Harte Hanks’ established agency expertise, strong MarTech capabilities, Customer Insights and Customer Experience offerings, will offer unparalleled value to clients.

In the digital world, marketers need to have deep understanding of their customers to offer an engaging personalized experience. This requires extensive investments in customer data, marketing tools and a technology stack. By providing a comprehensive solution, Wipro and Harte Hanks empower marketing professionals target and engage their customers in a holistic way. 

"Wipro’s investment in Harte Hanks reflects our continued commitment to offer leading-edge marketing technology and digital services that cater to the needs of Chief Marketing Officers and marketing professionals, across industry segments. This investment strengthens our existing partnership with Harte Hanks and enables us to address a key industry challenge by offering ‘Marketing as a Service’,” said Srini Pallia, President, Consumer Business Unit, Wipro Limited.

“Brands are now defined by the blend of all the experiences they deliver to their customers. Understanding the journey is the starting point, and it is marketing technology that facilitates the proper interactions at scale,” commented Karen Puckett, Harte Hanks CEO. “Enterprises and brands are working hard to better understand their customer’s buying journey and are deploying technology to help them interact with customers in relevant, meaningful ways. However, CMOs are increasingly concerned about marketing's capability to acquire and manage technology effectively. This partnership squarely addresses those opportunities.”

About Wipro Limited

Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO) is a leading global information technology, consulting and business process services company. We harness the power of cognitive computing, hyper-automation, robotics, cloud, analytics and emerging technologies to help our clients adapt to the digital world and make them successful. A company recognized globally for its comprehensive portfolio of services, strong commitment to sustainability and good corporate citizenship, we have over 160,000 dedicated employees serving clients across six continents. Together, we discover ideas and connect the dots to build a better and a bold new future. 

About Harte Hanks:

Harte Hanks is a global marketing services firm specializing in multi-channel marketing solutions that connect our clients with their customers in powerful ways. Experts in defining, executing and optimizing the customer journey, Harte Hanks offers end-to-end marketing services including consulting, strategic assessment, data, analytics, digital, social, mobile, print, direct mail and contact center. From visionary thinking to tactical execution, Harte Hanks delivers smarter customer interactions for some of the world's leading brands. Harte Hanks’ 5,000+ employees are located in North America, Asia-Pacific and Europe. For more information, visit Harte Hanks atwww.hartehanks.com, call 800-456-9748, email us at pr@hartehanks.com. Follow us on Twitter @hartehanks or Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/HarteHanks.

As used herein, “Harte Hanks” refers to Harte Hanks, Inc. and/or its applicable operating subsidiaries, as the context may require. Harte Hanks’ logo and name are trademarks of Harte Hanks.

Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau ( Malaysia ) Brings 17 Exhibitors from Penang on a 4-City Sales Mission to Woo the Indian Travel and Business Events Segment

Kolkata, India — The Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) is proud to

introduce the first ever Penang Sales Mission to India with the objective of promoting

Penang as the preferred and ideal destination for corporate and association

meetings, incentives and leisure travel. 

The 4-city Sales Mission kicked off from Kolkatta to Delhi, then Mumbai & Bengaluru.

The mission led by Ashwin Gunasekeran, Chief Executive Officer of PCEB, the mission is supported by a Penang delegation of 17 partners, including the state bureau for

leisure travel – Penang Global Tourism, hotels, destination management companies,

event experts and PCEB’s official airline partner, Malaysia Airlines.

Penang is world-class travel destination, one that is famed for its unique offerings of

an modern international island city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lush rainforests,

beautiful hill station, shopping galore and fabulous food. Additionally, this Northern

Malaysian state is also a rising Business Events destination. Currently, Penang is the

top ranked second-tier destination in Malaysia in the ICCA (International Congress

and Convention Association).

In 2016, Penang recorded 1251 events with an estimated economic impact of USD

200 million. From January to September 2017, we hosted 1731 events with an

estimated economic impact of USD 230 million. This translates to a 27.7% increase

in the number of events and 7% increase for the estimated economic impact.

“India is one of the top five markets for Business Events in Penang, and over the

past year, we have received encouraging interest from event planners and

conference organisers,” says Ashwin Gunasekeran, the Chief Executive Officer of

PCEB.

“This mission is joined by some of Penang’s finest offerings in the hospitality, travel

and events sectors, and will showcase the best of what Penang can offer to the

Indian market,” he added.

Ashwin Gunasekeran, the Chief Executive Officer of PCEB boasted that the youth from India loves to explore Penang especially for street food & heritage architecture.

RAAKSHAS TEASER CREATES A STIR

·       The mega feature Marathi film will release on 23 February

·       Stars leading Marathi actors Saie Tamhankar and Sharad Kelkar in the lead

·       Produced by National award winning producers Vivek Kajaria and Nilesh Navalakha and presented by Award winning producer-director Samit Kakkad

One of the most highly anticipated Marathi films for this year, Raakshas directed by Dnyanesh Zoting unveiled its teaser to a roaring response.

The film that was developed in tandem with the Drishyam Sundance Lab and the NFDC script Camp is all set to release on February 23, 2018.

Headlining Marathi superstars Saie Tamhankar (Vazandaar, Duniyadaari, Pyaar Vali Love story) and Sharad Kelkar (Bhoomi, Lai Bhaari, Raam-Leela, Baadshaho), the film also stars noted actors Dayashankar Pandey, Vijay Maurya, Yakub Saeed, Purnanand Wandekar, Sakshi Vyawahare, Abhijit Zhunzarrao, Somnath Limbarkar among others.

“We are excited that the teaser has got such a fabulous response and we are looking forward to unveiling the trailer in the coming days. The film is an exciting and thrilling journey and I am positive that the audiences will love the film.” said director Dnyanesh Zoting who’s childhood visit to the tribal areas inspired him to make this film.

'Raakshas' releases on 23^rd February across Maharashtra and promises to take the viewers on an enchanting journey.

The film is being Produced by National award winning producers Vivek Kajaria and Nilesh Navalakha and is being Presented by Producer - Director Samit Kakkad under his banner.

दिग्दर्शक संजय जाधवचा 'ये रे ये रे पैसा' तिसरा आठवड्यात वाढीव शोज घेऊन हाऊसफुल!

               गुलाबजाम पाकात चांगला वाटतो, ताकत नाही....असे काहीसे 'येरे येरे पैसा' चित्रपटातील डायलॉग सध्या कानावर पडत आहेत. नवीन वर्षातील मराठी चित्रपटांची सुरुवात दमदार झाली आहे. यावर्षी म्हणजे ५ जानेवारीला रिलीज झालेला पहिला मराठी चित्रपट संजय जाधव दिग्दर्शित 'येरे येरे पैसा' ला प्रेक्षकांचा चांगलाच रिस्पॉन्स मिळत आहे. चित्रपटाला सर्वत्र हाऊसफुल्लचे बोर्ड अजूनहि कायम आहेत. 

               चित्रपट प्रदर्शित होऊन २ आठवडे पूर्ण झालेत, आणि मुख्य म्हणजे 'येरे यरे पैसा' तिसऱ्या आठवड्यात देखील थिएटर हाऊसफुल करणार असं दिसतंय. ठाणे, दादर, कांदिवली, वाशी, लालबाग, कल्याण, विरार, कामोठे, उल्हासनगर अशा बऱ्याच शहरांत ये रे ये रे पैसा चे खेळ वाढवले गेलेत. प्रेक्षकांच्या मिळालेल्या उदंड प्रतिसाद मुळे 'येरे येरे पैसा' चे शो वाढवले गेलेत. चित्रपटाबद्दल चाहते सोशल मीडिया वर बोलत आहेत.

            

             "चित्रपटाचे शो वाढले आणि लोकांना चित्रपट आवडतोय हे पाहून मला फार आनंद झाला आहे, लोकं चित्रपट चित्रपटगृहात जाऊन पाहत आहेत, आणि फक्त चांगला आहे असं न सांगता आम्ही चित्रपट एन्जॉय करत आहोत असं सांगत आहेत", अशा प्रकारे दिग्दर्शक संजय जाधव त्यांचा आनंद व्यक्त करत आहेत. 

   

             ‘येरे येरे पैसा’ ही मुख्यत: तिघांची कथा आहे. तेजस्विनी पंडित, सिद्धार्थ जाधव आणि उमेश कामत ह्यांच्या सोबत संजय नार्वेकर आणि मृणाल कुलकर्णी हदेखील चित्रपटात जोरदार बॅटिंग केली आहे. तिसऱ्या आठवड्यात प्रेक्षक चित्रपटाला जो प्रतिसाद देत आहेत, त्यामुळे संजय जाधव ह्यांच्यासाठी 'ये रे ये रे पैसाचा तिसरा आठवडाही ठरणार असं दिसतंय!