Global MICE Travel Mart in New Delhi from May 19-21

The first edition of the Global MICE Travel Mart will be held in New Delhi from May 19-21 2016, informed Rajan Sehgal, Member, FICCI Tourism Committee and Chairman – North India, TAAI.

Organised by the Ministry of Tourism (MOT) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in support with Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) and India Golf Tourism Association (IGTA), the by-invitation event will focus on inbound Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism and will showcase buyer-seller meets. So far, 34 buyers comprising foreign MICE tour operators, MICE associations and foreign corporate entities who will be hosted by MOT have been roped in while 22 suppliers including Indian corporate entities, tour operators, hotels and MICE venues have been registered for the event, with more registration expected. “

The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department has showed keen interest in hosting the foreign delegates and showcasing its Golf and MICE Tourism offerings such as Sher-I-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar and Pahalgam Golf course in Pahalgam. J&K Tourism also plans to spread awareness about the refurbished Pahalgam Club with state-of-art facilities,” stated Sehgal.

Rajasthan to organise Domestic Travel Mart in July-Aug

Rajasthan Tourism is set to launch a Domestic Travel Mart in July-August. Shailendra Aggarwal, Principal Secretary, Rajasthan Tourism, said, “Enthused by the success of the Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB), Rajasthan Tourism will organise a Domestic Travel Mart  in July-August where they will host domestic buyers from around the country.”

Mount Athos - Holy Mountain

Mount Athos is a mountain and a peninsula in northern Greece. The peninsula, the easternmost “leg” of the larger Halkidiki peninsula houses some 1,400 monks in 20 Eastern Orthodox monasteries. An autonomous state under Greek sovereignty, entry into Mount Athos is strictly controlled and only males are allowed entrance.

About 1,400 monks currently reside on the mountain, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. Entry to this sacred place — whose art and learning has influenced Orthodox Christianity for a thousand years — is difficult to achieve. Since seclusion from the world is a central tenet of the spiritual practice of Mount Athos’ communities, admission is restricted to a finite number of pilgrims per day, who are limited to a four-day, three-night stay. Women are not permitted to visit the mountain.

The beauty of Mount Athos is in its timelessness. It is as if the monastic part of the Byzantine world has been preserved in this quiet, full of mysticism corner of the world. It is not only a living museum, but principally it is a place for prayer and contemplation, free from external influences. There, the monastic ideals and way of life have been preserved in their purest form. Privileged are those who have been able to visit for a pilgrimage there.

Thomas Cook Cancels Summer Departures to Sharm el Sheikh

Thomas Cook has cancelled all departures to the Egyptian resort of Sharm el Sheikh until at least October 31st.

The tour operator had previously said the security situation in the Red Sea resort would see all holidays cancelled or postponed until May 25th.However, with no change to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office advice with regards to travel to Sharm el Sheikh airport, Thomas Cook took the decision to extend the black out.

A statement read: “We appreciate that this may be frustrating for our customers who have been looking forward to their holiday and we would like to assure them that we are doing our upmost to ensure they are still able to enjoy a Thomas Cook holiday. “

Customers who are due to travel to Sharm el Sheikh before the end of October are able to cancel or amend their holiday to another destination free of charge.

At the same time, customers who wish to re-book an alternative summer 2016 holiday are being offered free amendments to an alternative Thomas Cook holiday of their choice, paying only any difference in price.

Thomas Cook is individually contacting customers whose bookings are affected, prioritising those due to travel soonest.

Toasted Bagel with Cream Cheese Recipe

Salty, smoky and creamy, this made-in-minutes toasted bagel with cream cheese, smoked salmon and avocado is ideal for Sunday brunch

Ingredients

•     50g cream cheese
•     2 bagels, halved and lightly toasted
•     100g smoked salmon, cut into slices
•     1 avocado, sliced
•     ½ lemon, cut into wedges
•     1 tbsp olive oil
•     2 eggs
•     pinch of cayenne pepper

 

Method

    1. Spread the cream cheese over both halves of the toasted bagels. Add the salmon to the bottom halves, then top with the avocado. Squeeze over a little lemon juice and season well.

    2. Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan. When hot, crack in the eggs, season and cook for 2-3 mins until the white is set and starting to crisp up around the edges. Sit the eggs on top of each bagel base and sprinkle cayenne on each yolk. Top with the other half of the bagel and serve with lemon wedges on the side, for squeezing over.


Toasted bagel, Cream cheese recipe, Bagel & Cream Cheese Recipes, Smoked Salmon Bagel Recipe, Smoked Salmon