Costa Cruises – to begin shorter, 3-4 night sailings in Indian waters

• 4 nights Mumbai – Kochi to start from November 2017

• 3 nights Kochi – Maldives to start from November 2017

August 1, 2017, Mumbai: Europe’s number 1 cruising company, Costa Cruises announced its shorter, 3 & 4 nights sailings in Indian waters from November 2017 onwards.

Last year, Costa Cruises was the first ever cruise liner to offer cruises directly from Mumbai to Maldives.

This year, Costa Cruises is introducing shorter 3 & 4 nights sailing options specifically for the Indian market. Indians can now choose to cruise on a 4 nights itinerary from Mumbai to Cochin (via Mangalore) or a 3 nights itinerary from Cochin to Maldives. This is in addition to the 7 nights Mumbai to Maldives & 7 nights Maldives to Mumbai options available.

The Italian cruise liner will be homeporting in Mumbai a month earlier than last year and will perform a series of weekly sailings from November 2017 to March 2018.

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Buhdy Bok, President of Carnival Asia said, "We are delighted to increase our capacity in this region, by offering 3 & 4 nights short cruises dedicated to the Indian market. Guests based in India can now embark or disembark right at their door-step for short cruises, giving our guests a rich and immersive experience in Italian culture – from hospitality, to cuisine, and art, a distinct experience for a new way of travel.

" Mr. Sanjay Bhatia, Chairman of Mumbai Port Trust said, “The timing is right for cruise liners to come to India as the Government is taking proactive steps for utilising our vast coastline. I would like to thank the cruise companies that have taken the initiative to start sailings from Mumbai and have shown their confidence in the Indian Government and India market. We are looking forward to many more ships coming to India and Mumbai port, going forwards. They can count on Mumbai Port's efficient managerial, organizational and planning support and assistance at all times. Our objective is to exceed the expectations of the cruise liners and the cruisers, both domestic and International. Come, cruise from Mumbai and feel India!”

Ms. Nalini Gupta, Managing Director, Lotus Destinations (Representative of Costa Cruises in India) said, “Costa Cruises expanding its sailing offerings to include shorter sailings of 3 & 4 nights from Mumbai and Cochin specifically for the Indian market confirms its strong interest in India. The cruising market in India has come a long way from only a select group cruising in far-away locations to today a much wider audience holidaying on ships cruising directly from India”.

“I sincerely thank Mr. Gadkari & Mr. Bhatia for all their efforts in making this happen”, she added.

Since Costa announced the launch of cruising from Mumbai last year, they have seen interest and bookings from a wide variety of travel groups, which includes families, senior citizens, honeymooners and experiential holiday agencies. There has also been a lot of interest from corporates, who are looking set to book the first few sailings out of Mumbai. The built-in infrastructure on the ship makes it particularly easy for corporates to hold large events in one location.

Theme-based bookings seem to be a trend, with groups who are keen to experience a special kind of holiday. For example, there is a cycle-themed sailing that is currently being promoted on this route.

Costa Cruises has deployed its ship, Costa neoClassica that is part of the neo collection on the India itinerary. This classic cruise ship has a total of 654 cabins, including sea view cabins and suites with private balconies. Fully-equipped with a Casino, Theatre, Disco, Ballroom, Grand Bar, it aims to provide plenty in entertainment. The wellness centre is spread across 1,300 sq. m with a gym, treatment rooms, sauna and steam room. It also has an outdoor jogging track, 4 Jacuzzis and 2 swimming pools. For those who would like to go shopping, the cruise ship has a huge duty free shopping centre, and also offers a wide selection of books in the library for those who love to unwind with a book. Enhancing the cruising experience further is the gastronomy: the food & wine on offer is based on Italian regional menus with a choice of dishes representing different regions of Italy and proudly reflecting the country’s rich and unrivaled culinary heritage. In addition to this vast range, guests can also take advantage of tasty vegetarian and vegan dishes.

On board Costa neoClassica, guests will also have the chance to taste the real original Neapolitan pizza at Pizzeria "Pummid'oro": thanks to an agreement with the Università delle Scienze Gastronomiche di Pollenzo, Costa Cruises offers pizza prepared using only sourdough and selected ingredients such as San Marzano DOP tomato.

In addition, cruisers will be able to enjoy a variety of Indian cuisine and the restaurants onboard are fully equipped to cater to special diet requirements of Indian, travellers, which includes Jain food.

About Costa Cruises:

Costa Cruises is the Italian Cruising Company part of the Carnival Corporation & plc, the largest cruise company in the world. For 68 years, the ships of Costa fleet have plied the seas of the world being the ambassador of the pleasant mood of Italian hospitality and the true Italian holiday, with delicious food, selected wines, unique shopping experience, completed by a vast selection of Italian famous brands. Currently the Costa fleet, the largest in Europe, has a total of 15 ships in service, all flying the Italian flag. Moreover two next-generation cruise ships will be delivered in 2019 and 2021: they will feature a revolutionary “green design” and will be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), the world’s cleanest burning fossil fuel, representing a major environmental breakthrough. Other 2 new ships will be delivered in 2019 and 2020 to be deployed in Asia. Costa embodies the Italian excellence surprising its Guests everyday with unique holidays experiences and unforgettable memories thanks to 19,000 Costa's associates worldwide who are passionately working everyday to offer "Italy's finest" cruise vacations through 137 different itineraries, 261 destinations and 60 embarkation ports.

For further information you can contact Lotus Destinations (Representative of Costa Cruises in India) office at +91-22-61792300 or mail info@costacruiseindia.com

Brew a heartwarming symbol of camaraderie this Friendship Day with Café Coffee Day

Enjoy the delicious ‘Friendship Frappe’ & exclusive latte art on your coffee this special day at the cafe

Mumbai, July 31, 2017: ‘The only way to have a friend is to be one’, said Ralph Waldo Emerson. No other brand understands this better than India’s largest youth rendezvous point, Café Coffee Day. For over two decades, Café Coffee Day has been the hangout of the nation’s youth; the place for hugs, high fives, laughter, tears and the rollercoaster of life shared with friends. Café Coffee Day in a way represents friendship. So on the special occasion of Friendship Day, Café Coffee Day brings to the youth ‘Friendship Frappe’ - a delicious and exceptional beverage to make Friendship Day celebrations with your buddies at the café even more special.

The Friendship Frappe consists of a delightful mixture of crunchy oreos dunked in a rich creamy chocolaty meltdown. It is then topped with whipped cream, three oreo biscuits and a cherry. This delicious Friendship Day treat will be available at Café Coffee Day outlets throughout Friendship Day weekend, 5th & 6th August, 2017. Enjoy the comfort of sipping on a tall glass of creamy, crunchy Friendship Frappe while you celebrate the joy of a long standing friendship.

And that’s not all! Café Coffee Day has more planned for Friendship Day. Every table ordering a Cappuccino or a Latte will be treated to an added touch of special friendship latte art on their foamy cups of coffee. The latte art is a specially created emoji of two smiley faces capturing the joy and bond of friendship. Guaranteed to bring a smile while enjoying coffee with your favourite friends at your favourite café.

So, go ahead and enjoy the experience of a rich chocolaty meltdown of the Friendship Frappe loaded with crunchy oreos at Café Coffee Day. Starting at Rs. 199/-, Friendship Frappe will be available at select Café Coffee Day outlets in the city over Friendship Day weekend.

Get fresh! – Pop-chic eyewear collection from Fastrack

August 02, 2017:They say, ‘first impressions are the most lasting’ and because people generally know you by your face, the eyewear you choose becomes an integral part of your identity. Be an embodiment of sophistication, stand-out from the crowd, be classy not massy; with the all new Get Fresh frames collection by Fastrack. Let your confidence reflect through your eyes by donning the exquisitely designed collection of frames by Fastrack. Add some drama and panache to your mundane routine and amp up your style quotient with a range of crystal and solid pop colors.

The Get fresh frames collection of eyeglasses includes a range of modern and eclectic silhouettes in a vivid color palette with shapes including - Wayfarer, Cat Eye, P3 Round, Clubmaster, Rectangle, Panto, and Edgy shapes. Designed with TRP 90 plastic, this striking range of frames provide maximum comfort to the early jobbers, college goers and the fashionistas of the town.

The design of these frames is pop-chic to say the least! It complements the never-say-die attitude of the fashion aficionados while giving them the much-needed stand-out sharp look.

Why be a sheep, when you can be chic with Get Fresh frames collection by Fastrack? Go, grab these eyeglasses, and give a new definition to your personality. These frames are available between the price range of INR 995 & INR 1895 and available only at Titan Eyeplus stores.

Volvo Cars forays into Uttar Pradesh with a new dealership – Speed Volvo Opens 4th dealership this year

~The Swedish car company also announces the regional launch of all-new V90 Cross Country~

Lucknow, Tuesday, 1st August, 2017: Staying true to its commitment towards the India market, Volvo Cars, the Swedish luxury car company, has opened a new dealership, Speed Volvo, in Lucknow today. This is the fourth dealership that has come up this year, making it the 20^th showroom overall for the brand. Volvo Cars intends to finish the current calendar year with more such openings. Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, is a critical market for the company and they plan to reach out and serve to the potential customers in this new territory. The showroom was inaugurated by Mr. Tom von Bonsdorff, Managing Director, Volvo Auto India.

Speed Volvo is a modern 4S dealership with showroom and workshop located in the heart of automotive hub on Faizabad road. The 6000 sq ft showroom exudes Volvo’s retail philosophy of cool outside - Warm Inside design and the fully operational 8000 sq ft state-of-the-art service facility on the same road will cater to the increasing demand of the high-end luxury cars across the region. Volvo Cars’ association with the Speed Volvo marks the beginning of a cohesive effort in Uttar Pradesh to expand the brand’s presence and achieve the mid-term target of 10 percent segment share by 2020. Volvo Cars believes in providing best-in-class experience to its esteemed customers and the company ensures a top-notch customer experience by giving utmost priority to special training of the dealership staff.

Announcing the opening of the showroom in the city, Tom von Bonsdorff, Managing Director, Volvo Auto India said, “We look at Lucknow as one of the major business centres in Uttar Pradesh and our dealership here will cater to the growing affluent and discerning class. With the right partner in Lucknow, we are all set to provide modern Scandinavian products that exuberate luxury, technology, comfort and Volvo’s legendary safety. Apart from this we are committed to best-in-class services for our customers here.”

The occasion also witnessed the regional launch of V90 Cross Country. Speaking further about the car, Tom said, “Volvo V90 Cross Country is an embodiment of a perfect ‘Get Away’. The car has remarkable off-roading performance, on-road comfort, safety and luxury. It is designed for Indian road conditions and is in sync with the new-age luxury customer’s lifestyle of seeking a weekend escape. We have a good equity for our brand in this part of India and we are confident that our new partners Speed Volvo will help us leverage the brand’s potential in the luxury car segment.”

Vidit Narain, Dealer Principal, Speed Volvo said, “We are delighted to associate with the brand that is known for its world-class safety, distinguished Scandinavian luxury and humane technology. We aim to sell the entire range of Volvo Cars from this dealership and service our customers in a way that befits the brand’s reputation. The team is now geared up and we are confident towards contributing to the success of Volvo Cars in India.”

Volvo Auto India

Swedish luxury car company Volvo Auto India (VAI) established its presence in India in 2007 and has since then, worked intensively to market the Swedish brand in this country. Volvo Cars currently markets products through its dealerships in South Delhi, West Delhi, Gurgaon, Ahmedabad, Surat, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Kochi, Vishakhapatnam, Kolkata, Vijayawada, Jaipur, Pune and Lucknow. The brand is expanding soon to Ludhiana and Calicut.

The company sells ten luxury models

Volvo S60 – A sporty sedan

Volvo S60 Cross Country – All road. All weather sedan

Volvo S60 Polestar – A performance sedan

VolvoV40–Luxury hatchback                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Volvo V40 Cross Country – The adventurous cross country

Volvo XC60 – A technologically advanced luxury SUV, apt for Indian roads

Volvo XC90 – The most awarded 7-Seater Luxury SUV

Volvo XC90 Excellence- India’s first plug-in hybrid SUV

Volvo S90- The premium luxury sedan

Volvo V90 Cross Country – The Get Away Cross Country

Volvo’s Brand Philosophy

‘Designed Around You’ is the brands translation of going an extra mile to understand customers better. This human-centric approach enables Volvo Cars to know the pulse of the customers and gauge what they desire in a product. With this thought, the brand places the customer at the heart of its design. Every Volvo car boasts of cutting-edge technology with engineering that is executed around human values.

For more on Volvo Cars, please visit - www.volvocars.in

आता सनी लिऑन सुद्धा म्हणतेय 'मला काहीच प्रॉब्लेम नाही'.

टॉर्क फार्मा प्रस्तुत आणि फिल्मी किडा प्रोडक्शन्स निर्मित ‘मला काहीच प्रॉब्लेम नाही’ चित्रपटाचा ट्रेलर नुकताच मुंबईत लाँच करण्यात आला. या ट्रेलरच्या आधीपासूनच मैत्री आणि प्रेमात आपल्या जोडीदाराच्या वागण्यावर 'मला काहीच प्रॉब्लेम नाही' म्हणणा-या सेलिब्रिटीज् नी आपले फोटोज् सोशल मिडियावर शेअर केले. अर्थात सोशल मीडिया वर ह्या चित्रपटाच्या ट्रेलरची हवा पसरलेली असून खुद्द सनी लिऑन ने देखील हा ट्रेलर बघून ट्विटर वर 'मला काहीच प्रॉब्लेम नाही' चित्रपटाबद्दल ट्विट केलेलं आहे.

"आत्ताच मी 'मला काहीच प्रॉब्लेम नाही' मुव्हीचा ट्रेलर बघितला. आणि मुव्ही बघण्यासाठी मी खूप उत्सुक आहे". या शब्दात सनी लिऑन ने हा चित्रपट पाहण्यासाठीची उत्सुकता तिने जाहीर केली. नातं म्हणजे अनेकांना जोडणारा एक रेशमी धागा असतो. समीर विद्वांस ने फिल्मी किडा समवेत मराठी फिल्म इंडस्ट्रीशी जोडलेल्या ह्या धाग्याने सनी लिऑनला देखील प्रेमात पाडून 'मला काहीच प्रॉब्लेम नाही' बोलायला भाग पाडले आहे.

अशा ह्या प्रेमळ नात्याच्या रेशमी बंधात स्वतःला बांधून घेत येत्या ११ ऑगस्टला तुम्हीही बघा 'मला काहीच प्रॉब्लेम नाही' तुमच्या जवळच्या चित्रपटगृहात.

IIHMR all set to mould future Healthcare and Hospital Management professionals

Mumbai 31st July, 2017:  The Institute of Health Management & Research (IIHMR) Bangalore’s continued efforts for developing future healthcare professionals kicked off with their induction programme for the new batch of 2017-19. The induction programme of the 8th batch of its Post-Graduate Diploma in Healthcare Management (PGDHM 2017-19) was held at IIHMR-Bangalore’s campus to not just acquaint the students with the institute and the course, but also to provide an in-depth understanding of their need in the booming healthcare industry.

Delivering the industry’s insights to the new batch were the chief guests, Ms Madhuri, COO of Ramakrishna Hospital, and Ms Latha Mangipudi, State Representative at the State of New Hampshire.

Inaugurating the ceremony, Dr Usha Manjunath, Director and Dean-Academics, IIHMR, Bangalore, said, “The need for managers in healthcare is much more pronounced now than ever before. Medical institutions are seeing increasing roles for marketing, human resources, customer satisfaction, housekeeping etc. which has stratified various functions with a marked distinction in medical staffing and administration. Thus, a new cadre of healthcare managers and administrators are the need of the hour and we hope to build capabilities among our students to meet the ever-growing needs of the industry. “

Following this, Dr Usha Manjunath also highlighted the profile of the batch of 2017-2019. The new batch consists of students from 17 states with 62% of them hailing from medical background while 38% of them are from non-medical backgrounds, and of them 47% are experienced professionals.

Delivering the keynote address, Ms Latha Mangipudi, State Representative at the State of New Hampshire said, “We are in a time where we have the right mix of the potential and technology to do great things and India has uniquely positioned itself in the world as a young country, which is a challenge as well as an asset and it is up to the students to use the technology and be a beacon to the world. “

Ms Madhuri, COO of Ramakrishna Hospital, congratulating students for choosing to work in the healthcare sector said, “Working in healthcare is a commitment to creating a positive change in the lives of people and empathy is a crucial element for healthcare professionals to excel in the service.”

Dr S D Gupta, Corporate Director and President- IIHMR Group of Institutes, recollecting his memories of his experience in the healthcare industry emphasised how healthcare industry is a recession-proof sector witnessing constant growth.

The ceremony concluded with felicitating 2nd year student’s poster presentation regarding summer internships in various healthcare facilities and hospitals.

                                                           

COMBINING CULTURES- INDIA SEMINAR IN SEYCHELLES

Seychelles Tourist Office, India successfully executes seminar on Indian Market in Seychelles

(Representatives of The Seychelles Tourism Board and the seminar speakers)

Mumbai, 12^th July 2017: Seychelles witnessed a one of its kind seminar on the 30^th of June 2017, conducted by Seychelles Tourist Office, India for the local hoteliers, DMCs, tourism board head office and other establishments. The seminar aimed at defining the Indian market and presenting its nitigrities to the local travel trade fraternity of Seychelles.

The event witnessed powerful speeches on the cultural and behavioural differences between the two countries by three eminent speakers from India -

·         Mr. Ashutosh Mehere, COO Alliances, Cox & Kings, India

·         Mr. Jai Bujhwala, founder, Holidays Box 

·         Mr. Parthip Thyagarajan, founder, WeddingSutra.com

(Seminar speakers)

The opening remarks were given by Mrs. Sherin Francis, CEO, Seychelles Tourism Board who expressed her happiness at hosting the event and at the opportunity to get a detailed understanding of a source market. Ms. Lubaina Sheerazi, COO, Blue Square Consultants, Seychelles Tourist officeIndia, then explained the cultural diversity and uniqueness of the Indian market setting stage for the speakers. Ms. Sabrina Agathine, Marketing Director, Air Seychelles, the national carrier of Seychelles added a few words of appreciation and acknowledged the continuous support from the India office. The speakers then took over the podium, pointing out their sincere observations and suggesting methods to fill gaps between expectations and deliverables for both countries.

Highlights of the seminar-

Mr. Jai Bhujwala explained the journey from Chicken Tikka to Takamaka and how the travel trade and tourists function in India. His company-Holidays Box specialises in tourism to Seychelles and hence he could shed light upon the various types of tourists, their behaviours and expectations and how can they be catered differently.

Mr.Parthip Tyagarajan, founder of Weddingsutra.com, an online portal for information on all high-end wedding requirements and planning and execution of the same, showcased the uniqueness of the Indian wedding industry to locals of Seychelles. He pointed out the growth and changes of this segment over the years and presented the various countries which have successfully understood the potential of this segment and have proceeded to tap the same. He explained the huge window of opportunity in this budding wedding segment of India. 

Mr. Ashutosh Mehre, a veteran in the travel industry shared his experience over the years and covered behaviours of the travel trade fraternity of India. He emphasised on the changes one has seen over the years in both in-bound and out-bound tourism from India. He explained the measures one would need to take to bridge the gap between expectations and results. The measures that need to be adopted by any market to tap the Indian market and stand out amongst the many countries in India.

This seminar proved highly beneficial for the locals of Seychelles who in turn had many questions and increased interest in catering to the India market differently in order to maximise results.

(India seminar participants-private sector with speakers and STB representatives)

Commenting on the seminar, Mrs. Sherin Francis said, ‘The seminar was one of its kind and highly informative for all our private sector partners. It created awareness about the diversity of India and answered many questions about the trade and tourist behaviour. It certainly created a high inquisitiveness about the market among the locals which is a great sign for developing further relations with the Indian market.’

‘We were very happy with the reception of the seminar and glad that our agenda of bringing out the differences between any other market and India for Seychelles had been met. The speakers gave some highly thought provoking inputs which will certainly better equip the private sector to cater differently to the Indian audience and allow us to further expand our vision for the destination’ said Ms. Lubaina Sheerazi , COO, Blue Square consultants, Seychelles Tourist office India.

The seminar was well received and highly appreciated. It opened doors for better future connections between the Indian travel trade fraternity and the tourism sector of Seychelles. It was a great success in terms of meeting the target set for the activity.

Parzor Foundation and Madison BMB With Bombay Parsi Punchayat, TISS, Mumbai and Federation of Zoroastrian Anjumans of India launch the JIYO PARSI Campaign - Phase -II

29thJuly 2017, Mumbai: The Parzor Foundation and Madison BMB along with Bombay Parsi Panchayat, TISS, Mumbai and Federation of Zoroastrian Anjumans of India today launched the “Jiyo Parsi”                Phase-II campaign.

The Hon'ble Minister for Minority Affairs Shri. Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi presided over a gathering of eminent personalities and released the campaign. Also present on the occasion was the Consul General of Iran, H.E. Masood E Khaleghi  and renowned actress Parizad Kolah Marshall who both spoke on the importance of the Launch and Programme.

The Jiyo Parsi Scheme launched on 24th September 2013 is unique, not only in India but to the world.

What is Jiyo Parsi?

The Jiyo Parsi Scheme is initiated by the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MOMA), Government of India, to reverse the decline in the Parsi population by adopting scientific medical protocols and structured interventions, to stabilize and increase the population of Parsis in India.

The Parzor Foundation along with other Parsi organizations and many reputed doctors across India is working to spread awareness on the sociological, psychological and medical issues which have led to the critical decline in numbers, to make Parsis benefit from the huge advances in ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) available today.

As India’s population more than tripled in over 60 years, the number of Parsis has reduced by almost 50% and is now less than 57,264 (Census 2011).

This is the First Time in the World that an intervention is being attempted to bring an urban, educated community back from the brink of Demographic extinction.  Between September 2013 and today, 101 babies (for Parsis, a blessed number), have been born under the scheme and for many more couples, the Scheme has been 'Truly a Miracle', 'Our Silver Lining', 'At the End of Every Tunnel there is Light'. With the full support of the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MOMA), Jiyo Parsi been able to turn despair into delight. 'Jiyo Parsi appeared in our lives as a ray of hope....., the Jiyo Parsi Counsellor gave us the courage to try one more time, with God's blessing we are parents of an energetic baby today'.

These Testimonials are only one part of the story. From infertility to grand-parenting, Jiyo Parsi has become a Movement to bring back the happiness of family, a faith in the future and a firm belief in the resilience of the Parsi Zoroastrian community. We can proudly say that even children declare 'Jiyo Parsi'.

Says  Dr. Shernaz Cama, the prime mover of the scheme, “As we enter our next Phase, we look ahead to carry the community with us, old and young, to think outside the box and be the pioneers in reviving a community; let us know that every step we take can make a difference.”

Whilst Phase-I of the campaign, created by Sam Balsara’s Madison focused on awareness of Jiyo Parsi and sensitizing the community and its youngsters to the issues in a  tone of voice that ensured virability of the campaign, the current Phase-2 consists of 12 ads and is focused more on trying to persuade young Parsis to get married and have children for a better balance to  their own life. Raj Nair, CEO and Chief Creative Officer of Madison BMB, the agency behind the creative execution of the campaign says, “After the huge success of the deliberately tongue-in-cheek last print campaign, we have created a new rendition.  We have continued to focus on issues especially relevant and meaningful, like togetherness, the importance of family, that having children is joyful and doesn’t come in the way of life at all, that there is no positive outcome to choosing to be alone and so on. The hope is that the issues touched upon will clearly resonate with young Parsi people in a completely positive manner.” Madison BMB has been involved with the project since inception.