US$ 95 BILLION. CAPITAL INVESTMENT LIKELY IN INDIA’S TRAVEL & TOURISM INDUSTRY BY 2019

Thesynergyonline Economic Bureau

NEW DELHI, MARCH 18 :
THE Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) and YES Bank have projected that India would get capital investment worth US$ 94.5 billion by 2019 in tourism and travel sector since it is expected to grow  at 8.8 per cent between the period 2010 and 2019.  Besides, the two institutions are of the view that growing travel and tourism industry will place India at the third position in the world in a decade’s time.

The projections are condensed in Agri Tourism Study brought out by ASSOCHAM and Yes Bank which was released here today by Mr. Pradeep Kumar Jain, Minister of State for Rural Development with ASSOCHAM Chairperson Tourism and Hospitality Committee Princess Diya Kumari and Co- Chairperson Tourism and Hospitality Committee, Dr. Subhash Goyal.

The Study further forecasts that domestic Travel and Tourism sector is expected to be the 2nd largest employer in the world which is likely to employ over 40,037,000 by 2019, the way the travel and tourism industry has started growing.

The share of India in the world employment is expected to be significant as in next couple of years, India would have developed a good number of sites for travel and tourism with extensive focus for promoting of agri tourism.

According to it, India is projected to become fifth fastest growing business travel destination from 2010-2019 with an estimated real growth rate of 7.6 per cent.

The travel and tourism will finally transform not only the urban India but also rural part of the country and eventually promote agri tourism by involving thousands of farmers into it and their farming will witness huge changes.

According to the Study, tourism would be the largest service industry in the country.  Its importance would lie in being an instrument for economic development and employment generation particularly in the remote and backward areas.

The increasing tourism activities will help India build environmental and cultural awareness, provide positive experience for both visitors and hosts and give direct financial benefits for conservation.

It will also provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people and raise sensitivity to host countries political, environmental and social climate besides support human rights and labour agreements.
Agri tourism will be special beneficiary of development of tourism and travel industry which will comprise agri museums, agriculture related festivals and fairs including farmers markets. Agri museums will have the benefits for farm vacations, heritage trails, farm tours and farm activities.

The ASSOCHAM Yes Bank Study further adds that it would provide opportunities to generate additional revenue, make for economic diversity and amount to relationship building, besides improving understanding of local farmers and their families.

Other benefits will include that agri tourism will bring major primary sector agriculture closer to major service sector tourism would lend support to farms and attract attention to rural infrastructure development as also create employment opportunities and empowerment of local people.

The growth in tourism and travel industry will stimulate investment and create opportunities in ancillary and support line of business.  It will showcase the environmental, cultural and heritage aspects of the region as also further showcase local cuisine and culinary practices, handicrafts and vernacular skills. (editor@thesynergyonline.com)

ASHOK INLEAD STARTS EMPLOYMENT- ORIENTED PROFESSIONAL COURSES

Thesynergyonline Tourism Bureau

NEW DELHI, FEB 20 :
THE state-owned India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) alliance venture 'Ashok Inlead School of Hospitality' launched its post-graduate programs at The Ashok, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.

Ashok Inlead School of Hospitality in alliance and venture with ITDC was inaugurated by Mr. Kuldeep Verma, Vice President, ITDC alongwith the CEO, Mr. Kitto Parijaat at Hotel Ashok.

Ashok Inlead School of Hospitality is an exclusive alliance venture focused on skill-based education focused on increasing employability and transforming human potential to human capital with a high investment index. It leverages its state-of-the-art 65,000 Sq. Ft. campus at Gurgaon with the strong heritage of ITDC, through AIH&TM - having the distinction of being the first hospitality-sector institution in South-Asia with an ISO 9001-2000 certification, and a certification from the American Quality Assessors, United States - to impart one year post graduate diploma programs in Hospitality Operations Management, Event Management & Public Relations, and Facility Management.

Mr. Kuldeep Verma while talking to the students, share his experience as a team leader, manager events and other posts in ITDC.

He also told students that Hotel Ashok is doing and catering their services for some of the very big and important events and locations like Vigyan Bhawan, Sindhu Darshan Festival of Laddakh, and many more. He also told the students that Hotel Ashok has given some very important activities in the upcoming Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

Mr. Kittoo Parijaat in his welcome address welcomed all the students and guests and also confirmed that International Level Training will be provided in this Institute and various courses related to Hospitality Management, Event Management, Public Relations, Facility Management will be conducted at various levels.

The ITDC alliance initiative is a key step forward focused on the national skill-based employment agenda providing a credible option to the traditional post-graduate degree-based education programs, which had recently come under criticism from the HRD Ministry due to their lack of employment orientation. Kuldip Verma, senior vice president, (HRD) ITD, said: "AISH is poised to create a niche for itself by producing a gainfully employable pool of professionals for the above sectors, as well as the service industry in general."

Many other distinguished guests were also present to grace the occasion. The first batch students were also present that have opted for the post graduate diploma course and the certificate will be awarded by ITDC.

The Ashok Inlead School of Hospitality also shares strategic alliances with major brands operating in the domain of hospitality and allied services-sectors thereby ensuring quality training and successive placement for the students. (editor@thesynergyonline.com)

ITDC SIGNS MOU WITH 6 GREENFIELD HOTELS IN 5 STATES

Thesynergyonline Tourism Bureau

NEW DELHI, NOV 06 :
THE state-owned India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) has under its newly launched brand name Ashok Alliance scheme of Hotels (AAH) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with six 3-5 star hotel properties across 5 states.

ITDC launched Ashok Alliance Scheme in August’ 09, wherein agreements were signed with Hotel welcome City Beautiful, Chandigarh and River Front Hotel, Surat. In addition to the same scheme, following 6 hotel projects got signed , under the leadership of Mr. Kuldip Verma, senior vice president, Corporate Marketing Division and Human Resource Development Division.

5 Star Airport Hotel in Kolkata by M/s Shelter Projects Ltd

. 3 Star Hotel in Malout (Punjab)’ by M/s Silver Palm Hotel and Resort

. 5 Start Luxury Hotel Project in Manesar by M/s Manesar Developers Pvt Ltd

. 3 Star Hotel Project in Nagpur, (Maharashtra) by M/s Gupta Associates

. 3 Star Hotel Project in Jodhpur (Rajasthan) by M/s Shakun Properties

. 4 Star Hotel in Bhiwadi (Rajasthan) by M/s Jagrit Infrastructure Pvt Ltd

Ashok Alliance scheme of Hotels enables its member hotels to suffix ‘Ashok’ to their names, giving them instant brand recognition in an increasingly competitive world. Under this arrangement, member hotels can be a part of the renowned Ashok brand name and benefit from the talent, operational management expertise, marketing inputs, PR and global reach resources of ITDC Group.

Member Ashok Alliance Hotels apart from having access to personnel, trained by the Ashok Institute of Hospitality & Tourism Management (ISO 9001- 2000 certified) will also gain insight to ITDC’s standard operating procedures for hotel’s operational departments, training of staff/ executive development programs, marketing of hotel to different market segments, FIT & Group booking through Ashok Reservation Service, mileage in ITDC’s publicity material like brochure, website, promotions etc., representation in Indian and international travel marts, provision of trained manpower through ‘Avenues’, development of allied business on the strength of alliance of ITDC.

In addition, an Agreement shall also be signed with ‘Indian institute of learning and advanced development’ (INLEAD), Gurgaon so that AIH&TM and INLEAD shall jointly launch ‘ASHOK INLEAD School of Hospitality’ .(editor@thesynergyonline.com)

'DESTINATION THAILAND' SHOWCASES RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE

Thesynergyonline Tourism Bureau

NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 26 :
ROYAL Thai Embassy on Saturday announced ‘Destination Thailand’ - the Annual Thai festival here.. H.E. Mr. Krit Kraichitti, Ambassador of Kingdom of Thailand inaugurated the festival in presence of senior members from the Embassy and the Tourism authority. The three day long festival – ‘Destination Thailand’ will showcase Thailand - the land of dazzling variety at a glimpse.

The event is being organized in cooperation with the Thai Government and public enterprises operating in India, namely Office of Commercial Affairs, Tourism Authority of Thailand and Thai Airways International. The inauguration followed by Thai dance showcasing the cultural glimpse of Thailand.

On this occasion, H.E. Mr. Krit Kraichitti, Ambassador of Kingdom of Thailand, said, “Destination Thailand is our annual festival which showcases our cultural heritage, food, tourism, trade & investment helping us promote Thailand in New Delhi and NCR. Healthy relations between India and Thailand are reflected through the Indo-Thai trade, investment, tourism and cultural relations.

The festival showcases the rich heritage and culture of Thailand varying from food, handicrafts and products, hospitality services, traditional Thai massage to cultural performances. Our aim is to spread the message that both India and Thailand share much in common: values of family, beliefs and customs, cultural heritage and the ability to infuse traditional knowledge with contemporary practice. It is our endeavor to strengthen ties in all dimensions.”

Being held during September 26 - 28 , 2009 at Select CITYWALK, Destination Thailand will include Thai trade fair with various Thai products for display and for sale, tourism promotion activities, Thai food fair and cooking demonstration, Thai spa and massage as well as Thai cultural performances.

During the three-day festival the visitors will not only be able to taste fabulous and authentic Thai cuisine but will also be able to learn how to cook delicious Thai delicacies by culinary experts from Thailand. (editor@thesynergyonline.com)

INDIA, CHINA AND US TOP HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS FOR CONSUMERS

Thesynergyonline Tourism Bureau

NEW DELHI, AUG 07 :
THE travel bug is again biting consumers across the Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa region. According to findings from a recent MasterCard survey, 24 per cent of the region's consumers will be spending on international personal air travel in the next six months. In particular, consumers from Kuwait (71 per cent), UAE (51 per cent), New Zealand (44 per cent) and Hong Kong (42 per cent) are looking forward to holidays abroad.

China (as indicated by 20 per cent of consumers), Australia and Thailand (18 per cent respectively) rank as favorite destinations among consumers in Asia/Pacific while Egypt (18 per cent), Australia and India (10 per cent respectively) emerge tops among consumers in the Middle East and Africa .

The survey was conducted by MasterCard Worldwide from March 23 to April 18 2009 and involved 9,211 consumers from 21[1] markets. Data collection was via personal, telephone and Computer Aided Telephone interviews, with the questionnaire translated to the local language wherever appropriate and necessary. The survey does not represent MasterCard financial performance.

Managing of one's travel expenditure, security and hassle-free payments are prized by consumers when they travel abroad and MasterCard offers a range of payment products to meet these travel needs.

Among the recent card programs launched by MasterCard is the Travel Money Card with Commonwealth Bank of Australia . This is the world's first MasterCard prepaid travel card enabling travelers to lock in the exchange rates of multiple currencies on one card. Prepaid cards are pre-loaded with a fixed amount of money and provide travelers peace of mind when they travel abroad - from helping manage one's travel budget to the convenience and security of a separate and dedicated travel payment card. The card can be loaded with US dollars, British pounds, Euros, Australian, New Zealand and Canadian dollars.

Cardholders using the Travel Money Card will be able to avoid fluctuating exchange rates, international transaction fees and keep track of their spending with 24/7 phone, a high function online web portal and SMS based balance and transaction alerts. The card attracts a flat ATM withdrawal fee, and there is no fee when using the card in-store, online or over the phone. There are also no fees incurred with at Point of Sale (POS) merchants or when transferring between currencies.
Another card that would excite travelers is the FEVO Prepaid MasterCard card in Singapore . Consumers can customize this prepaid card by having their favorite photos or travel moments on the card face. Through this, consumers can create a meaningful and practical gift for those going away, or have with them a photo of their loved ones when traveling the world.

Robert Walls, Head of Debit Product Management & Development, Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa, MasterCard Worldwide, said, "Prepaid cards are a good payment product for travelers who want to be disciplined about spending within their budget. With a MasterCard prepaid card, you can pre-load a fixed amount to the card and use it as a tool to better manage your finances. With MasterCard prepaid cards, consumers enjoy all the benefits of a MasterCard debit or credit card, but can purchase the prepaid card for specific purposes, such as gifts, travel or rewards. MasterCard prepaid cards are backed by the same global consumer support structure as all MasterCard payment cards, including chargeback protections, widespread acceptance, and privileges at special events such as the Great Singapore Sale" .(editor@thesynergyonline.com)

DUBAI TO HOST TAAI's ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN DECEMBER

Thesynergyonline Tourism Bureau

NEW DELHI, JULY 31:
THE Travel Agents Association of India's (TAAI) Annual Conference will be held in Dubai from September 29 to October 2 , 2009. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) to this effect was signed recently by DTCM Director General, Mr. Khalid A bin Sulayem, and TAAI president, Mr. Rajinder Rai, at the DTCM Head Office in the presence of TAAI delegation members.

This MoU confirms the immense support extended by DTCM to TAAI for their much awaited annual Congress comprising the conglomeration of travel agents, inbound and outbound tour operators, excursion agents, CRS companies, hoteliers, airlines, general sales agents, visa handling agents, transport companies, travel marketing agencies, International and domestic Government Tourism Boards and overseas members and country representatives.

Mr. Khalid bin Sulayem, DTCM Director General said "The Indian market is one of the biggest in the world in terms of tourists' potential. There is competition among destinations to tap its potential. Dubai is well-placed to tap the huge growth opportunities in this market"

He assured the TAAI delegation of strong cooperation by DTCM and other organizations in the emirate for the TAAI annual conference.

The TAAI Annual Conference in Dubai will allow the tourism industry players from both India and Dubai to exchange knowledge, information and experiences. At the same time, the conference will help the department promote Dubai's key features and attractions to the TAAI members whose influence on the Indian outbound travel market will be strong.

Among those present were Mr. Ibrahim Yaqoot, DTCM Executive Director Corporate Support, Mr. Khalid bin Touq, Mr. Satish Bhaskaran, DTCM Executive Director Administration, DTCM Executive Director Licensing and Classification, Mr. Saleh Mohammed Al Geziry, and DTCM Director Overseas Promotions, and Mr. Carl Vaz, Director of DTCM's Representative Office for India.

"We appreciate the cooperation and support TAAI has been receiving from Dubai in general and DTCM in particular. The Conference will contribute extensively in promoting and marketing Dubai in India which has been showing signs of strong growth" said Mr. Rajinder Rai, President of TAAI.

Mr Iqbal Mulla, Convention Co-Chairman said, "The Indian Congress is TAAI's first foray into the Middle East and is slated to be an encouraging factor to lift Dubai's tourism opportunities viz a viz greater inter active dialogues, progressive inter country participation and an indomitable presence of industry players of India and Dubai"

The location of DTCM Overseas Representative office in Mumbai since the past 13 years clearly reflects the importance DTCM accords to trade and commercial relations with India.

"Dubai has always been a favourite destination for Indian visitors and as a city that has a large population of domicile Indians, there has been a strong bond between the 2 countries. We hope this convention will help leverage existing ties in every way possible", said Mr Sunil Kumar, Honorary Secretary and Convention Chairman.

DTCM has been working on plans to tap the potential to attract more up market Indian tourists and businessmen to the emirate.

Says Carl Vaz, Director - India, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, "The Conference will attract over 2000 delegates who will be engaged in topical business sessions, pro active industry debates and will showcase Dubai as a stronghold destination and India as highly progressive tourist nation"

In the year 2008, the number of Indian guests in Dubai hotel establishments increased by 20 per cent to reach 493,318 compared to the year 2007.About 4.47 million Indians traveled through the Dubai international airport in 2008, 23 per cent more than the previous year. (editor@thesynergyonline.com)

TAAI SEEKS EXPORT INDUSTRY STATUS FOR TOURISM SECTOR

Thesynergyonline Tourism Bureau

NEW DELHI, JUNE 15 :
TRAVEL Agents Association of India (TAAI), the major travel association in India has requested the Government for exemption of service tax to travel agents for 5 years and grant export industry status to tourism sector. The exemption was sought by members of TAAI in a pre-Budget memorandum submitted to the Finance Ministry.

TAAI gave credit to Ministry of Tourism's "Incredible India" campaign for the rise in number of tourists to 5.37 million in 2008 compared to 5.08 million a year earlier. Tough tourism industry earned an impressive Rs 48,000 crore in foreign exchange; high taxes of up to 35 per cent are hampering further growth in the sector.

Commenting on the pre-budget memorandum, Mr Rajji Rai, President - Travel Agents Association of India said, ``we have been requesting for grant of export industry status to the tourism industry in India for long and have also been requesting the Government to rationalize the high taxes that are imposed on the industry. We are also requesting the Ministry of Tourism to impress the State Governments to bring the luxury tax down to 5 per cent.''

TAAI made the following suggestions to the Government for consideration

Exemption of Service Tax to travel agents for at least for 5 years. There could be consideration of differential of taxation - for inbound, for outbound, and for domestic agents.

80 HHD of Income Tax Act - TAAI has been pleading for years to revive the benefits of section 80 HHD to the tourism industry in its original form. These are needed for the tourism industry to set an aggressive growth path to lure foreign tourists into the country and needs continues encouragement. Withdrawal of benefits under section 80 HHD has adversely affected the tourism industry.

TAAI therefore, recommend that section 80 HHD be revived, under which travel agents be allowed to transfer part of their profit to Tourism Development Reserves for investment in tourism related projects like hotels, resorts, convention centers, restaurants and guest houses and import of vehicles and adventure, sports & camping equipments such as tents, rafts, etc…

Reduction of taxation on ATF which directly affects airfares.

Export Industry Status to Tourism - we have been requesting for grant of export industry status to the tourism industry in India , since long.

Inter-State Vehicle Taxation - a beginning has been made in the NCR (National Capital Region Area) - the same should be introduced all over India .

Increase in Service Tax abatement for Domestic/ Adventure Tour Operators - Domestic Tour Operators and Adventure Tour Operators are also the important segment of tourism industry who are dealing with Domestic Travelers and are making transactions in Indian Rupee. Their profit margin is between 5 to 10% whereas they are paying higher percentage of Service Tax compared to their profit margin with abatement of 75 per cent. It may not be out of place to mention that some services are also procured in different cities by the tour operators which also attracts and paid service tax which become double/ multiple taxation making tour packages costly. It is therefore, requested that abatement for tour operators, who are in the business of domestic tour operation are considered for an abatement of 90% on the package tours. Further CENVAT Credit be allowed to avoid double/ multiple taxation.

Deduction of Tax at source under Section 194-I of Income Tax Act - TAAI strongly recommend that the Section 194-I of Income Tax Act should not be applicable on hotel rooms being booked by the tour operators and travel agents, as these rooms are booked only for short stay of the tourists.

State Luxury TAX - This is our long pending demand and TAAI had been taking up this matter with the Ministry of Tourism and also the states directly. Luxury tax in some of the states is very high and varies from 5 per cent to 20 per cent in different states. Some states charge on the actual rate and some on rack rates (published rate). Each state has it's own criteria. In the bargain, the tourism industry suffers. (editor@thesynergyonline.com)

TAAI PARTNERS DALIAN TOURISM AS OFFICIAL PARTNER FOR 6TH EAST ASIA INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL FAIR 2009

Thesynergyonline Torusm Bureau

HYDERABAD , APRIL 16 :
TRAVEL Agents Association of India (TAAI) , has entered into tieup with Dalian Tourism as the official partner for the 6th East Asia International Travel Fair 2009 to be held in Dalian City, China from April 17-19, 2009. Being an official partner for this event, TAAI will act as a facilitator between TAAI members and suppliers to promote China as a destination leading to an enhanced business opportunity.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vijay Raj, Chairman-Media & Communications, TAAI exclaimed, "The tie-up provides us with an ideal opportunity to network with Chinese suppliers for travel agents who are already promoting China. As an important port of China, Dalian focuses on industry, trade and tourism, and is also a centre in Northeast China for logistics, finance and foreign exchange settlement. The tie-up symbolizes our strong commitment towards the development of the Indian travel trade industry and also marks our sturdy presence in the global travel trade industry."

The 3 day fair will focus on efficient, effective and productive participation from the global travel trade industry. The fair is a business to business exhibition that provides a unique opportunity for the whole global travel trade industry to meet, network, negotiate and conduct business as well as pose as an opportunity to stay abreast with the latest developments in the travel industry.

East Asia International Travel Fair (EAITF) has been specializing in the promotion and intercommunication of outbound & inbound tourist market of East Asia. The fair will be participated by tourism administrations, travel related enterprises and government bodies. The fair has received favorable responses from countries and areas of Asia, Europe, North & South America, and Africa etc. ( editor@thesynergyonline.com)

GALILEO, HONG KONG TOURISM BOARD JOIN HANDS

Thesynergyonline Tourism Bureau

NEW DELHI, FEB 04 :
GALILEO , a global distribution system (GDS) and Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), today announced a joint initiative to reward the Indian travel trade. This first of a kind programme utilizes the strength of the GDS distribution to augment the Indian arrivals into Hong Kong. The 60-day activity is targeted at over 6,000 agencies in 11,000 touch points, which are spread at 333 cities in India.

As part of the programme, any Indian travel agency creating a booking to Hong Kong or beyond would be eligible for the promotion and hence an opportunity to win rewards, like HK trips, laptops, iPhone and LCD's. The promotion would be valid from 27th January till 27th March 2009. These rewards would be directly proportionate to the productivity of the travel agency.

"Hong Kong as a destination is very well connected out of India, already more than 10 airlines operate between the two countries and all are part of our distribution network. This programme is a step into a series of such promotions, Galileo and its partners will present all new value-add propositions that enhance productivity and profitability exclusively among its connected agencies. Our long standing relationship with Hong Kong Tourism Board makes them a partner of choice for the inaugural activity of this programme", commented Mr. Bruce Hanna, President & CEO, Galileo in India.

"The launch of our trade rewards programme, in association with Galileo, is perfectly timed as Hong Kong welcomes the Year of the Ox with its Chinese New Year celebrations. We received a record 350,674 Indian visitors in 2008 and with this initiative, we aim to provide a unique platform for our travel trade partners to book and sell the destination Hong Kong while enjoying some very attractive rewards. HKTB is among the first tourism board to acknowledge the tremendous reach and potential of the GDS distribution in the Indian market.", commented Mr. David Leung, Regional Director - South & South East Asia, Hong Kong Tourism Board.

Travel Agencies booking transiting passengers can also participate in the promotion. With 14-days visa-free travel facility for the Indian passport holders and additional flight capacity between India and Hong Kong, Hong Kong is well placed to be a popular destination for Indian outbound travellers.

Apart from great shopping and dining options during the Chinese New Year celebrations in the territory, the Indian visitors could also explore Hong Kong's famous tourist attractions like the Victoria Peak, Symphony of Lights multimedia show, Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park, Ngong Ping 360 cable car experience besides cruising itineraries of the South China Sea. ( editor@thesynergyonline.com)

MEDICAL TOURISM MT TO GROW @30% FROM 09-10, REACH RS. 9500 CRORE BY 2015

Thesynergyonline Tourism Bureau

NEW DELHI, JAN 07 :
THE Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) has predicted that medical tourism from 2009-10 would grow at annual rate of 30 per cent CENT and reach a size of Rs.9500 crore by 2015 and enhance health sector contribution to national GDP at over 8 per cent.

Currently, the size of medical tourism in India is measured at Rs.1500 crore with health sector contribution to national GDP close to 6 per cent. The ASSOCHAM estimates that since India is poised to become an epicenter for medical tourism from throughout the world, its contribution to national GDP will rise by at least 2 per cent and this is how the health sector share to national GDP would increase from 6 per cent to over 8 per cent.

Releasing the assessment of Medical Tourism, the Chamber has said that at least 6 fold increase is anticipated in the size of medical tourism by 2015 as from 2009-10, the worldwide patients would make India as a preferred choice for medical treatment because of cost and competitive factor.

The Chamber has estimated that approx. 1,80,000 foreigners visited India for treatment from various parts of the world in the first 8 and half months of current fiscal and their number in subsequent times would increase by 22-25 per cent in subsequent times.

The ASSOCHAM has said that India provides world class medical facilities with hospitals and specialised multi speciality health centres providing their expertise in areas of cosmetic surgery, dental care, heart surgeries, coronary bypass, heart check up, value replacements, knee replacements, eye surgeries, Indian traditional treatments like ayurvedic therapies and much more, practically covering every aspect of medicine combining modern treatments with traditional experience.

The cost of surgery in India can be one tenth of what it is in the United States and Western Europe and sometimes even less. A heart-valve replacement that would cost $ 200,000 or more in the US for example, goes for $ 10,000 only in India and that includes round-trip airfare and a brief vacation package.

Similarly, a metal free dental bridge worth $ 5,500 in the US costs $ 500 in India, a knee replacement in Thailand with six days of physical therapy costs about one-fifth of what it would be in the US.

Popular medical travel destinations worldwide include Argentina, Brunei, Cuba, Colombia, Costa Rica, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Lithuania, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Afirca, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Tunisia and New Zealand.

Indian corporate hospitals excel in cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery, joint replacement, orthopedic surgery, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, transplants and urology to name a few. The various specialities covered are Neurology, Neurosurgery, Oncology, Opthalmology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology, ENT, Pediatrics, pediatric surgery, pediatric neurology, urology, nephrology and general surgery.

The various facilities in India include full body pathology, physical and gynecological exams., dental checkup, eye checkup, diet consultation, audiometry, spirometry, stress and lifestyle management, pap smear, digital chest x-ray, 12 lead ECG, 2D echo colour Doppler etc. (editor@thesynergyonline.com) .