TripAdvisor announces India’s top hotels with Travellers’ choice awards 2012

STATE WIState Winners · Kerala emerges as the winner in B&B/Inn’s and Relaxation & Spa categories · Rajasthan has the most number of properties across Bargain, Luxury and Service categories. · Maharashtra leads the Trendiest pack with most hotels in the category.

TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site today announced the winners of its 2012 Travellers’ Choice® Hotel Awards. Running in its 10th edition globally and 3rd edition in India, the annual awards are based on the millions of valuable reviews and opinions from travellers across India and the world. The awards recognise the best hotels across  seven categories for India - Luxury, Bargain, Service, Relaxation and Spa, Top 25, B&Bs and /Inns and Trendiest hotels, a debut category for India.

Kerala emerges as the most hospitable state with 42 winning properties, knocking off last year’s winning state, Rajasthan which has 34 winning properties this year. Kerala also leads with the highest number of winning hotels in the Top Relaxation & Spa and B&Bs and Inns list. Interestingly, Rajasthan has the largest number of hotels in both Bargain and Luxury hotels category, as well as Service, a testimony to Rajasthan’s well known and exemplary hospitality.  It also makes the state an ideal destination for budget conscious & opulence seeking travellers alike. 

The average nightly rate for the  top Bargain hotels in India is Rs.2, 100/- and  top Luxury hotels is Rs.18,800/-  This clearly shows the wide spectrum of great accommodation options to suit travellers of all budgets, dispelling any notions that great hospitality always comes with a hefty price tag.

The prominent hotel chains continue their tussle this year for a clear lead. The Oberoi Group has the maximum number of winning properties (17) this year across all categories followed closely by The Taj Group (16). Last year, the Taj Group had outnumbered Oberoi by a slim margin of 2 winnings hotels.

Elaborating on the significance of the awards, Nikhil Ganju, Country Manager of TripAdvisor India says, “The Travellers' Choice Awards are a celebration of the heroes of the Indian hospitality industry – hotels that have received an enthusiastic endorsement from millions of Indian travellers. They are a testament to our vibrant hospitality industry which over the course of the last 3 years, has grown to love and covet a TripAdvisor TCH Award more than any other form of recognition of the excellent service, quality, value and experience they provide. Not to mention the fact that they inspire millions of travellers in India and abroad to pack their bags and make a beeline for these hotels.”

Winning Hotels of 2012: India List
·      Top B&B/Inn : Saubhag Bed and Breakfast, Delhi
·      Top Bargain Hotel: Kaiya House, Kerala
·      Top Luxury Hotel: The Imperial, Delhi
·      Top Relaxation & Spa: Casa Colvale, Goa
·      Top 25 Hotel: Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
·      Top Trendy Hotel: The Waterstones Hotel,  Mumbai
·      Top Service Hotel: Sajhome, Kochi

Indian Gems among Asia’s Best

·         In the Asia Top 25 hotels, Taj Lake Palace Udaipur ranks No.1 while Orange County Kabini, Mysore stands at No. 11.

·         Delhi’s Saubhag B&B emerges as the Top B&B in Asia. 6 more Indian properties also make it to the same list.

·         The Imperial, New Delhi ranks No. 14 in Asia’s top Luxury hotels. The Oberoi Grand (Kolkata), Wildflower Hall (Shimla) and The Oberoi Udaivilas (Udaipur) also make it to the list.

·         Kerala’s Kaiya House and Goa’s Bougainvillea Guest House feature in Asia’s Top Bargain hotels.

·         Kerala’s Sajhome ranks No. 10 in Asia’s best Service hotels category.

India’s select amongst World’s best

·         Goa’s Casa Colvale has been ranked No. 13 in the world list of best relaxation spa’s category. This is the first time any Indian property has made it in this category of world list.

·         Delhi’s Saubhag Bed and Breakfast is ranked No. 20 on the world list of Top B&B’s/Inns. In 2011, the property was ranked No. 10 in the same list.

·         In 2011, Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur was ranked no. 7 in the world list of top luxury hotels. This year the property has come down and is now ranked No. 16.

Indian Properties in the World List
Rank	Category	Property
13	Relaxation Spa	Casa Colvale, Goa
16	Top 25	Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
20	B&B/Inns	Saubhag Bed & Breakfast, Delhi

For the complete 2012 Travellers’ Choice Hotels list and more reviews, opinions and candid holiday photographs, go to http://www.tripadvisor.co.in/TravelersChoice-Hotels

15 Holiday Destinations on the Rise

• TripAdvisor reveals the destinations travellers are increasingly talking about

TripAdvisor, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRIP), the world’s largest travel website, today reveals holiday destinations on the rise for 2012*.

TripAdvisor travellers and editors have identified the top places to go in 2012. The list – diverse in geography, culture and traveller experience – is comprised of destinations which have seen remarkable increase in traveller reviews over the last year.  Between Riga’s architecture, Moscow’s history and Seminyak’s beaches, TripAdvisor has uncovered a top destination to suit every traveller’s preference.

“These destinations have really piqued traveller interest and we expect to see this momentum continue over the next 12 months,” commented Emma Shaw, TripAdvisor spokesperson. “They encompass a wide range of holiday experiences, everything from beautiful beaches to UNESCO World Heritage sites, so there’s somewhere in here for every traveller.”

TripAdvisor’s Holiday Hotspots for 2012:

1.      Tallin, Estonia

A 2011 European Capital of Culture, Tallinn has recently come into its own.   It’s scenically located on the banks of the Gulf of Finland, while Tallinn Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site.   The city’s beautiful architecture makes it a great place to explore on foot.

2.      Riga, Latvia

Riga is Latvia’s largest and capital city and is home to an extensive collection of Jugendstil (German Art Nouveau) architecture.  The Old Town is particularly lovely with its cobbled streets and the city is well-known for its lively nightlife scene.

3.      Moscow, Russia

Russia’s capital will not fail to impress.  It boasts beautiful architecture, world-famous theatre and an endless supply of must-visit museums and historical sites, including the Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Kremlin and more. 

4.      Zurich, Switzerland

Located in north Switzerland on Lake Zurich and against a mountainous backdrop, Zurich is arguably one of Europe’s most enviably located cities. It is known for its excellent restaurants and for a truly local experience, try the city’s quintessential dish, Zürigschnätzlets - veal in a cream and wine sauce

5.      Fethiye, Turkey (Aegean Coast)

Fethiye offers history alongside natural beauty.  This as an ideal choice for a holiday that combines beach and culture – travellers can visit the ruins of the ancient city of Telmessos, while also enjoying the beautiful sandy coastline. 

6.      Seminyak, Bali (Indonesia)

Away from the hustle and bustle of Bali’s main drag, Kuta beach, this picturesque town is one of the island’s more upscale areas.  Enjoy fresh seafood while watching gorgeous sunsets and be sure indulge in the famous Balinese spa treatments.  

7.      Vilnius, Lithuania

Vilnius, a European Capital of Culture in 2009, is the Lithuania’s largest city.  It boasts an impressive array of Baroque and Gothic architecture, while the large Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

8.    Austin, Texas (USA)

The capital of America’s second-largest state, Austin is well-known for its music scene, as well as its great restaurants.  With its rolling hills, clear lakes and granite ravines, it also offers a variety of adventure and outdoor activities. 

9.      Chania Town, Crete (Greece)

Located on the western side of Crete, the highlight of Chania Town is the Old Town which features centuries-old Venetian architecture.  The sandy, turquoise-water beaches are beautiful, while the beachside bars and restaurants won’t fail to impress.

10.  Chaweng, Koh Samui (Thailand)

Chaweng is the beach on the east coast of Koh Samui.  The pristine white-sand and turquoise water beach is several kilometres long, with accommodations, restaurants and attractions to appeal to travellers of all budgets and interest. 

11.  Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux is renowned not only for producing some of the best wines in the world, but also for its unique architecture which has earned a UNESCO World Heritage site listing.  When not visiting vineyards, be sure to check out the area’s picturesque beaches.

12.  San Sebastian, Spain

The ways to keep entertained in San Sebastian are seemingly endless, with its stunning scenery, great restaurants, beautiful beaches, lively nightlife and major film and music festivals, as well as ski resorts within driving distance. 

13.  Lyon, France

Located in the Rhône-Alpes region, Lyon is France’s third-largest city. Like many of its neighbours, Lyon is well-known for its gastronomy and impressive selection of Michelin-starred restaurants, while the Saint-Jean and the Croix-Rousse areas – UNESCO World Heritage sites – are well worth visiting.

14.  Essaouira, Morocco

Essaouira provides a relaxed alternative to the high energy of Marrakech.  Visitors to this lovely coastal destination are attracted to its beaches, fresh seafood and medina.

15.  Mendoza, Argentina

Mendoza enjoys a picturesque location on the eastern side of the Andes and holds the majority of Argentina’s vineyards.  With an abundance of parks, lakes and rivers, as well as its great skiing, Mendoza is an ideal destination in which to enjoy the outdoors.

TripAdvisor announces India travel trends forecast for 2012

- Survey reveals over 50% people will not curb their leisure travel and 44% plan to spend more on holidays in 2012, despite inflation

Travellers planning at least one international holiday are up 20% compared to 2011

TripAdvisor®, the world's largest travel site, today announced the results of the first edition of its India Travel Trends Survey for 2012. Despite the current economic climate, 44% anticipate they will spend more on leisure travel next year, while 45% expect to spend the same amount as they did in 2011.

TOP 5 TRAVEL  DESTINATIONS: FORECAST FOR 2012

Domestic ·         Goa ·          Kerala ·         Srinagar ·         Ooty ·         Andaman/ Shimla/ Ladakh International ·         United Kingdom ·         Thailand ·         Singapore ·         USA ·         China

Nikhil Ganju, Country Manager, TripAdvisor India elaborates, “Nothing seems to dampen the traveller’s spirit in the coming year, be it increasing fuel charges or an incorrigible inflation. With 53% looking to travel more next year and an increase of 20% in travellers planning to undertake at least one international holiday, these are positive mood indicators for 2012, at least from the long term perspective of Indian travellers.”

He further stated, “Though beaches & hills remain ageless favourites amongst Indians, adventure holidays and activities see more traction, revealing an experimental outlook for holidays next year.”

TRAVEL SPENDS FORECAST - Vacation Doesn’t Fear Inflation

46 % respondents spent more than a lac of rupees on their holidays this year & only 8% respondents said they cancelled a leisure trip in 2011 owing to the high inflationary trend.

2012 looks similarly resilient to inflation as:

o   65% respondents indicated they will not cut back on their leisure travel in 2012  even if the  inflationary upward trend continues

o   89% plan to spend same or more as 2011 on their travel budget in 2012

o   A majority of 40% claim the increase in fuel prices will not impact their road trips in 2012

TRAVEL VOLUME FORECAST - Bitten by the Travel Bug

59% respondents took at least 3 domestic leisure trips this year and 64% took at least 1 international holiday.

The outlook for 2012 seems even more promising for travel with;

o   53% claiming they will travel more in the coming year

o   20% more travellers planning to take an international holiday in 2012  as compared to 2011

HOLIDAY CHOICES FORECAST - Of Beach Bums & Hill Habitués      

·         Predictably, beaches followed by hills are top holiday choices for 2012.

·         ‘Pilgrimage/Religious’ , ‘Wedding/family function’ & ‘Wildlife sanctuary/safari’ are all tied for 3^rd place as the type of trips travellers have planned in 2012, making us both daring and god –fearing .

·         72% travellers plan to experience some kind of adventure activity or sport on their holiday in 2012.  Preferences for the thrill seekers are:

Camping in the wild	28%
Scuba Diving	20%
Hiking	18%
White water rafting/Kayaking	17%
Mountaineering	17%
Hot air ballooning	16%
Parasailing	15%
Sky diving	15%
Snorkelling	14%
Bungee Jumping	14%
Skiing	11%
Paragliding/Hang gliding	11%
Fishing	10%

GREEN VOYAGING

·         56 % respondents said they intend to be more environmentally conscious in their travel decisions in 2012.

·         Some ways in which travellers plan to placate environmental concerns on holiday are:

Avoid littering surroundings	65%
Reduce laundry usage	55%
Choose eco-friendly accommodation	42%
Reduce carbon footprint	40%

MORE TRAVEL BITES

·         Laptops remain the favourite gadget companion to get travel related information on the go for 2012. Surprisingly, despite being the newer and more recent entrant, iPads/tablets follow next, with a slight edge over older and familiar Blackberry in third place.

·         79% travellers said they will make a conscious effort to stay less connected to their work while on vacation in 2012.

·         53% respondents believe that 2012 is a good year to visit the big tourist European economies like Italy, Greece and Spain as it will be cheaper to travel there, owing to the current debt crisis.

·         However, there seem to be few takers for a trip to London with only 8% respondents claiming they will travel this summer for the London 2012 Olympics.

·         74% respondents said they will opt for travel insurance in 2012, out of which 58% will purchase it only for international travel.