Travel to Asia

This article was a part of my project for YourAsianVacations.com

Stream of tourism has huge yet uncapped potential in Asia. The vast landmass has uncomparable variety of geography, cultures and people. As the legend goes, if you know Asia, you know more than half of the world. And it seems that even the whole of life would not be enough to comprehend Asia. The continent has such astounding diversity. It has so much to offer that one just remains with eyes wide open with disbelief. Does any other continent in the world offer such different things?

Asia looks different from every angle. The Indian Subcontinent, South East Asia, Central Region, Korean Peninsula and Middle East, all have their own unique assets for exploration. Whichever geographical region you decide to visit, it would be totally differ from the other in all terms. New secrets would unravel as you travel from one country to the other. Asia has so much that it never ceases to offer something new to the travelers on every visit. You could rest assured of highly rewarding vacation in Asia.

Asia is a melting pot of cultures. It is the land where almost all of world religions came into being. Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, Taoism; have their origins in Asia. The continent had something which made it the source of origin for these faiths. All these religions, having different ways of life and worship, co-existed and co-developed for hundreds of years. Large countries like India have multiple cultures co-existing together with harmony. Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, Sikhs; all live together in close neighborhood. As the land of multi-ethnic people, few other continents can compete with Asia.

YourAsianVacations is our effort to assist you in understanding Asia. And we know, whatever we do, it would never be enough. Such is the enormity of the task. But the amount of work would not make us flinch even an iota. We would continue building this site, our organization, our network and keep on bettering our services to assist you in every possible manner to enjoy your Asia vacations.

Introduction to Tourism Marketing

This is a part of my book on Tourism Management written for Neeraj Publishers, New Delhi.

1.1 INTRODUCTION
Marketing is an integral part of any substantive tourism enterprise. As the market is expanding and consolidating, the role of marketing as a driving force in a business endeavor is also being recognized. With growing competition, organisations in tourism business have no option but to engage in organised and targeted marketing. A professional approach to marketing always helps, whether it is on the tour operator end or at destinations. Guides, escorts, restaurants, hotels, transporters, shops etc closely compete one another and have to outmarket one another to stay ahead. A proper tourism marketing strategy at national level calls for close cooperation between the government, tourism industry and the local population.

1.2 MARKETING: DEFINITION AND CONCEPTS
Concept of marketing extends broader than just selling or promotion of a product. It is related to an array of things like marketing research, needs assessment of the consumers, product development, pricing and distribution. As per the definition given by Philip Kotler:

“Marketing is the analysis, planning, implementation, and control of carefully formulated programs designed to bring about voluntary exchanges of values with target markets for the purpose of achieving organizational objectives. It relies heavily on designing the organisation’s offering in terms of the target markets’ needs and desires, and on using effective pricing, communication, and distribution to inform, motivate, and service the markets.”

British Institute of Marketing defines it as
“The management process responsible for identifying, anticipating and satisfying customer requirements profitably.”

1.2.1 Evolution of Marketing
Marketing as a concept has developed in the last 30 years. Development of marketing and modern business practices has three distinct stages: Production Era, Sales Era and Marketing Era. Marketing era arrived when organizations began to produce what they could sell rather than trying to sell what they manufactured. While planning and designing a product, customers’needs, wants, tastes and satisfaction were considered. Growth of competition prompted organisations to develop marketing techniques.

Change in traveling trends also demanded a new approach. The emergence of long haul traveler created the need for marketing research which took into account market trends, consumer behavior and ascertained procedure to make products which satisfied the users of tourism products. Gradual social and economic development resulted in segmentation of mass market into specialized target markets. Tackling these markets demanded new approach which was in tune with new times.

1.2.2 Selling and Marketing
Selling and Marketing are totally different concepts. The major difference is that selling focuses on the needs of the seller while marketing concentrates on the requirements of the buyer. A marketing oriented organisation focuses on customer needs and gains profits through customer satisfaction. Several organizations in tourism sector are product oriented. They emphasise on the available services of products but ignore consumers’ needs or attitudes. A marketing oriented tourist organisation takes a completely different approach. They develop their services around the tourists’ needs.

1.2.3 Business Philosophy
A marketing oriented business philosophy keeps consumer needs at the centre of all activities. An organisation could offer a quality tourism product but if it lacks supporting infrastructure, it would have no takers. A tourist organisation needs to take care of needs like accessibility, accommodation, leisure and entertainment facilities. Tourists have their own needs, preferences and tastes, and these have to be taken into account.

In modern tourism market place, marketing is the ideal approach for organising business. This approach is backed by market research which provides proper understanding of tourism, destination and business structure needed. Product development is based on consumer feedback. Thanks to this approach, a tourism business can satisfy customer needs and success of the products is ensured. This approach also brings for organisation a reputed market standing. However, for proper success, the philosophy has to be ingrained in the minds of the employees of the organisation.

1.3 FEATURES OF TOURISM MARKETING
Tourism is a service product rather than being a physical thing. Tourism organisations try to sell an experience. A tourism product has certain features:

• Any sample of a tourism product is not possible. Services can be used only at the given time.
• A tourist can only buy the experience. He/she cannot own the product.
• Tourism business is seasonal in nature. It could be off-color during off season.
• Product is amalgamation of several services.
• Several intermediaries are involved in designing and packaging of a tourism product. Efficiency of the product has to ensured at every level.

Tourism market is constantly changing. Specialised tourism has emerged, laying stress on consumer needs. Introduction of consumer protection laws has played a role in changing the scenario of tourism market.

Check Your Progress-1
1. What do you understand by marketing?
Marketing is a managerial process which involves analysis, planning, implementation and control. It is designed to tap markets for the purpose of attaining organisational objectives. It is the approach taken by the management to identify, anticipate and satisfy customer requirements efficiently. Marketing does not take random actions to generate desired responses. Carefully formulated programmes are designed to obtain the objectives.

2. What is the difference between selling and marketing?
Selling is seller oriented while marketing is buyer oriented. Selling revolves around the seller’s need to convert his product into cash. Marketing is the idea of satisfying the needs of the customer by customising the product and ensuring its quality. A market oriented organisation determines the needs of the target market and satisfies them through proper design, quality, pricing and delivery.

3. Discuss the features of tourism marketing.
All tourism products have certain aspects.
• One cannot evaluate or demonstrate tourism products in advance.
• These products cannot be stored. One can just experience them.
• In designing and packaging a tourism product, several intermediaries are involved. Unimpressive performance by even one of these can spoil the whole product.
• Tourism products are seasonal in nature.

Borobudur Temple in Indonesia

This web page was a part of Indonesia project done for YourAsianVacations.com

Borobudur Temple in Indonesia is an eighth century monument, world heritage site and one of the top 50 wonders of the world (according to Hillman Wonders). Its location near Yogyakarta makes it easily accessible. The monument, rediscovered in dilapidated condition, was restored in 1970’s with assistance of the UNESCO. Located atop a hill, Borobudur Temple is neighbored by two volcanoes and rivers. Borobudur travel enables one to see this cultural asset of Indonesia.

Getting to Borobudur
Most visitors go on Borobudur trip on tour bus. Alternatively, you can hire a four-wheeled vehicle or a motorbike. Just ask your hotel management and they will do the arrangement. Getting to Borobudur Temple in Indonesia is easiest from resort of Yogyakarta for it is located just 45 minutes from the city. Best time for reaching Borobudur temple is early morning.

The Structure
Borobudur Temple in Indonesia is a multi-tiered structure. It has a pyramidal base with five concentric square terraces, the trunk of a cone with three ring-like platforms and a great stupa atop. The walls and balustrades are bedecked with fine low reliefs. Circumambulating the circular platforms are a large number of openwork stupas, each having a Buddha idol.

Cosmological Model
The colossal monument represents a Buddhist cosmological model of the universe organized around the axis of mythical Mount Meru. The pilgrims begin their ascent at the eastern gateway. Circumambulating the stupa, they move in a clockwise direction. They move through six square terraces and three circular ones. With every circle they keep on moving up the everyday world and at last achieve the nirvanic state the great stupa.

Borobudur History
Borobudur Temple in Indonesia was built between 760–830 AD, the peak of the Sailendra dynasty in central Java. The constructed was completed during the reign of King Samaratungga.

Abandonment and Rediscovery
Borobudur Temple was abandoned somewhere between 928 and 1006 AD and the reasons of its abandonment are unknown. For centuries, it lay hidden volcanic ash and jungle growth. The monument was rediscovered when Java was under British administration from 1811 to 1816. Lieutenant Governor-General Thomas Stamford Raffles is credited with the discovery of Borobudur.

Travelling to Warsaw

This web page was part of a project done for International-Travel-Tours.com

Warsaw, the largest city of Poland and a bustling metropolis, appears to be a concrete jungle in the first impression. However, the real Warsaw is a picturesque old town hosting scores of palaces, churches, and architectural complexes. The city is known to be the lively cultural capital of Poland. Various theaters, cinemas, museums, and art galleries thrive in the city. Warsaw is dotted with luxury hotels, happening clubs and discos, parks, castles and museums.

Points of Interest
7th biggest city in the European Union Warsaw Old Town is included in UNESCO World Heriatge List.

Places of Interest
Warsaw is land of historical monuments, magnificent churches, palaces and architectural complexes. It is not a dull city of concrete builidings. It is a magnificent town with many tourist attractions luring the vistors.

Warswa Old Town
Warsaw old town was ruined completely in the World War II and it is realy diffilcult to believe that whole town was rebuilt in 1950s. City Centre hosts some elegant royal buildings. Royal Castle, King Zygmunt's Column, Square Market, and the Barbican are top attrcations of the Warsaw old town. UNESCO has appreciated the whloe site and listed it as UNESCO world heritage site.

The Royal Castle
Royal Castle in Warsaw was residence of the Polish monarchs. The castle has now been trasformed into museum. The palace was built in 1589-1619 and is located at the Plac Zamkowy, entrance to the old The personal offices of the King, as well as the administrative offices of the Royal Court of Poland were located there until the Partitions of Poland. Between 1926 and World War II the palace was the seat of the Polish president. It is located at the Plac Zamkowy, at the entrance to the Old Town.

The Wilanow Palace
The palace is now a branch of National Museum. Before being destroyed by Hitler, the Nazi ruler, the palace was the residence of King John III. The palace has baroqure interior adorned with period Polish furniture, old clocks, and collection of Polish portraits. Orangerie is the magnificent diplay of artistic handicrafts. The monument is a gem of Polish architecture.

National Museum
Displays in the national museum date from ancient to present day Poland. Formerly known as the museum of fine arts, it was renamed National Museum in 1916. In addition to Polish art the museum diplays a unique colletion of Egyptian art, famous all over Europe.

Palace of Culture and Science
This is the tallest and largest building all over Poland. Formerly known as Joseph Stalin Palace of Culture and Science, the building is now an amazing destination to visit. It houses a concert hall, a cinema, an ice skating rink and a theater.

Frederic Chopin
Chopin was one of the famous personalities from Poland. A museum named Muzeum Fryderyka Chopina, depicts different phases of Chopin's life.

Lazienki Park
The park is located on the royal route connecting the Royal Castle to the Wilanow Pallace. Lazienki Park is the biggest park in Wraswa. Built in 1624, the palace was formerly the residence of King Zygmunt III Vasa. Park center attraction is the picturesque lake where you can enjoy short cruises in the beautiful evenings.

Jewish Ghetto
This is largest Jewish Ghetto in Warsaw. The vast area of the city was formerly once predominantly inhabited by Jewish Poles. The ghetto was built by Nazis during the world war II. The Jewish Historical Institute Gallery is a complete directory to the past Jewish history in Poland. The Ghetto Heroes' Memorial in Warsaw is a worth seeing monument.

St John's Cathedral
It boasts of being the oldest and royal church in Warsaw. The church has been concstructed completely in Mazivian Gothic Style. Built in 15th century the church was upgraded as a cathedral in 1798. St John's cathedral is one of the most coronated buliding all over Poland. The paek is worth place for leisurly stroll.

How To Reach
By Air
Polish Airlines is the national airlines operating in Poland. Warsaw is alo connected by air with all the European destimanations and the Polish cities. Being the capital city most tourists from all over the world land in Warsaw. Warsaw's Frederic Chopin Airport is situated in Okecie, 10 km south west of the city centre. All the international and domestic flights operate from here. There is a domestic airport near the international terminal. All major Polish cities can easily be accessed by the domestic airlines. Gdansk, Cracow, Poznan, Szczecin, Wroclaw and Katowice all are well connected and approachable.

By Train
Warsaw has lot of options for train lovers. Warsaw has three stations for long-distance trains Dworzec Centralny (Warsaw Central), Dworzec Wschodni(Warsaw East) and Warszawa Zachodnia(Warsaw West). Warsaw Central is the main railway station handling major international and domesric trains.

By Road
Hired taxies and cabs are easily available all over Poland.

Elephant Caves in Mumbai

This web copy was written for YourAsianVacations.com

Elephanta Caves is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in close vicinity of Mumbai. The caves are located on Elephanta Island, nine nautical miles into the sea from Gateway of India. Elephanta Caves are actually a temple complex devoted to Lord Shiva and cover an area of 60,000 square feet. There is one main chamber and two lateral ones, courtyards and many subsidiary shrines.

Elegant Carvings
Elephanta Caves are carved out of rock and the images have been preserved in the internal spaces between columns. The entire temple is related to a large sculpture. In fact, one can walk through the corridors and chambers of this sculptured temple. There are three entrances to the temple. The axis of the temple is formed with the eastern and the western entrances. On the eastern side, there is a 20-pillared hall and on its western end is a cell in which a Shivalingam enshrined.

Trimurthi
One of the main attractions of Elephanta Caves is the glorious image of Sadashiva, a manifestation of Lord Shiva. This stupendous 20 feet high image of the three headed Shiva, known as Trimurthi, is carved in relief at the end of the north-south axis. It is regarded as a masterpiece of Indian art. Actually, there are five faces but only three faces are carved into the wall.

Origin of Name
It is also known as Gharpuri and named Elephanta Caves by the Portuguese, after they saw a giant statue of elephant near the landing area of the island.

History
The history of Elephanta Caves is unclear as some believe that Pulkesin II of Chalukya dynasty built the temples to celebrate his triumph while others opine that the caves were built by Kalchuri King Krishnaraja in 6th century AD. Once known as Puri and later Gharapuri, the island was proud possession of several coastal dynasties. Later Portuguese took possession of the island. After landing on the island they built a fort with a watchtower, hoisting up a flag to ward off the attacks by pirates.

Sightseeing Highlights
Maheshamurthi Cave - Lord Shiva is shown here as a creator, preserver and destroyer.
Southern Wall - Southern wall is embellished with sculptures of Kalyanasundara, Gangadhara, Ardhanarishwara, and Uma Maheshwara.

How to Reach
Elephanta Island can be reached by boat. The ferry ride from Gateway of India takes 15 minutes to reach Elephant Island.

Gateway of India in Mumbai

This section was written for India for YourAsianVacations.com

Gateway of India has become a symbol of Mumbai. The grand structure near the seacoast seems to represent Mumbai all over the world. Whenever one looks at the massive gate, it becomes clear that it is Mumbai which is being talked about. Located on the South Mumbai waterfront, it is a huge basalt arch of 26 meters. The monument calls a large number of overseas travelers as well as local citizens, who throng the place on weekends for having fun. To amble around the bay and watch the colorful crowd and serene sea is something entertaining.

History
The Gateway of India is one of the monuments erected in British era. It was designed by royal British architect George Witter on the occasion of the arrival of King George V and Queen Marry in India. It was the year 1911. The mammoth structure took almost 13 years to get completed. When India attained independence in 1947, the British troops marched out through its port in a ceremonial exit. Thus, it has big historical significance.

Architecture
The Gateway of India has an awe-inspiring architecture. It comprises of a 26m high arch built by using yellow basalt and reinforced concrete. The architectural style employed is Indo-Saracenic. The top of the monument is bedecked with a central dome, which has a diameter of 15m. The cost of its construction was Rs. 21 lakhs, borne mainly by the then Government of India.

Places in Neighborhood
Marine Drive – After a hectic day, one can relax here in the evening. Watching the sun gradually disappear is a soothing sight.
Chowpatti Beach – Chowpatti is among the most famous beaches in India. During festive season in October, the beach is in its full glory when thousands of people from all over the city immerse the idol of Lord Ganesha in the Arabian Sea.

How to Reach
One would take around 45 minutes from Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus to reach Gateway of India. Several modes of transportation are available from all airports and railway stations of Mumbai. One could also take public transport to get to the venue.

Perth City in Australia

This web page was part of a project on Australia done for International-Travel-Tours.com

Welcome to Perth. Welcome to the land that is blessed with some of the prestine coastline of the world. Perth - home of the world’s oldest operating mint; numerous museums and art galleries, historic character buildings, a five-star resort and casino and a great variety of shopping .Of the 1.8 million people that live in Western Australia, 1.4 million reside in Perth. Perth sits elegantly on the banks of the Swan River, like a monarch surveying her realm.

Perth , the gift of nature is blessed with a Mediterranean climate, most of Perth’s sporting and recreational activities revolve around the city’s superb beaches. Perth’s waters play host to abundant marine life including seals, dolphins, whales and many, many species of fish. Beaches like Scarborough and Cottesloe have been described by countless visitors as some of the best strips in the country. Boasting an impressive skyline, inner-city Perth seems to have been designed with people in mind. Its attractive malls and elevated walkways make it pleasant to navigate on foot.

Beaches
Perth’s closest beaches extend along the Indian Ocean’s Sunset Coast, 30km of near-unbroken sand and coastal suburbs stretching north of the Swan River.There are also inshore beaches along the Swan River at Crawley, Nedlands, Peppermint Grove and Mosman Bay on the north shore, and Como, Canning Bridge and Applecross on the south – all are calm and safe for kiddies. Cottesloe Beach, 7km north of Fremantle, is the most popular city beach, with safe swimming in the lee of a groyne. There are ice-cream vendors, cafés and watercraft-rental outlets all just a short walk from Cottesloe train station.

Scarborough Beach is as much a holiday resort as beachside suburb and is the best base along the Sunset Coast if you want to stay a day or two. Popular with surfers and their groupies, the suburb has an easy-going air of “Californian tan-upmanship”, plus enough services, inexpensive accommodation and activity to sustain a few days out of central Perth.

Underwater World
Encounter the beautiful bottlenose dolphins cared for by Underwater World. Watch them being fed and observe their natural behaviour. Travel the submerged tunnel on a moving walkway and come face to face with over 2,000 marine animals. See divers hand-feed sharks and giant rays. In the touch pool, feel a starfish or even a shark, or zoom in on the sea's tiny creaturest the Microworld display

Whale Watching
Experience the awesome beauty and wonder of the humpback whale on cruises operating from Hillarys Boat Harbour.

Perth Tram
A fun way to discover Perth and its history. This wooden replica tram was built locally to resemble the first trams operating in Perth in 1899. Visit Kings Park, the Casino, Old Perth Port at the Barrack Street Jetty and the city shopping areas. Interesting commentary by knowledgeable drivers. Full tour l.5 hours, or break your journey at any point and rejoin later.

Perth Mint
Step through the door to the Perth Mint's Old Melting House and step back into the past century when Western Australia was in the grip of gold fever, and the refining and minting processes were a symphony of steam-driven engines, whining leather belts and the striking of metal on metal. See daily demonstrations of pure gold bars being poured and moulded. From the spectacular viewing gallery, you can also see where the Perth Mint's bullion and proof issue coins are produced today.

Wines of Perth
Parth is also popular for its wines and all over the world . A traditional family winery with a policy of keeping its wide range of multi-award winning whites, reds and fortified wines at affordable prices. Nearby on Benara Road you'll find Dear Friends Garden Restaurant and The Vineyard Teahouse Restaurant. Both are also open for meals, Devonshire teas and stock local wines.

Activities
Surfing and swimming at the city's beaches are favoured activities along with diving and fishing and the picturesque Avon River is a popular canoeing spot. You can also get out on the ocean by renting a catamaran at the South Perth foreshore, or asking around Perth's yachting clubs for volunteer spots on racing yachts.

There are a number of activities that bring you into contact with marine mammals in and around Perth, including watching for humpback whales returning to Antarctic waters after wintering in the ocean off north-western Australia.