We really shouldn’t be surprised that something else has just arisen to adversely affect tourism on a world-wide basis but that is the reality of what is happening right now. It wasn’t something that we needed to happen but happen it has and there is nothing we can do about it. Well, maybe not in a greater way but the downturn in travelling, which most honest people will admit, is affecting them, can enable a few tasks to be undertaken which otherwise might have been delayed or put off forever.
Naturally we do not have any official numbers to hand but it does seem sure that this year’s income from foreign visitors will be less than hoped for. We have found that to be true for Wales Beckons, although, of course, it is summer here (well nearly) and there is still time for business to improve.
By contrast, in India the exceptionally hot weather has been around for a while and that is not the best time to visit India although India can be visited at any time of the year since it is such a vast country and there is always something to do in one part of the country or another. This aside our time has been spent usefully finalising our website for India and Beyond.
It seems to us that there is always something which can be done to change an aspect of any website and, of course, we are able to think about developing new tours. This is not a quick process, but worthwhile, as it provides an incentive to venture into new realms and introduce new and interesting destinations.
We have been talking with a number of local charities and are glad that we will be able to help them with their fundraising efforts. In support of Ty Hafan, we will be arranging a fundraising tour to the high Himalayas for anglers or fly fishermen and women, to fish for the fabled Mahseer. A stunning fish which can weigh up to 100lbs. Conducted in India by some of the most experienced and well-respected fishermen, this tour leaves in November.
It is not usual for this tour to take place in the later months of the year, but that is when the first of these tours leaves. All the best fundraising tours should have an element of challenge involved and this one certainly does. Numbers are very limited so please get in touch asap for details. Other fundraising tours we are working on with Charities both involve cycle rides, one to India and the other to Sri Lanka.
We are also very pleased to be intoducung new and unique tours to Uttar Pradesh in India. For the first time one tour includes a very special visit to a perfume oil distillery, where the ancient practice of producing perfume oils has been carried out for many hundreds of years. And to complement learning about perfume oil production, the young man whose family own the distillery, is a fabulous cook and he will serve you a seven course tasting menu. Additionally, while you eat, and due to his innovative thinking, you will be treated to different scents being intoduced into the dining room. These will complement and enhance the whole experience to the meal and is an experience not to be missed. You can be among the first to enjoy this experience, so contact us and we can arrange everything for you.
The perfume experience features in two of our tours to Uttar Pradesh, the first goes on to Lucknow where time will be spent, not only visiting the city itself and the memories of the Raj but also time with women from a few villages whose beautiful embroidery work has developed due to the work of a local project, the Vanvasi Project www.indiatribes.co.ind which was set up specifically to support and help the women improve upon their work and ensure a fair market for their produce. Rural India is something to experience and we are glad to be able to offer this tour which is fully supported by the women and their villages.
The other tour again goes on to Lucknow but this time, the aim of the tour is to immerse the visitor in the wonderful food being produced there, not only in hotels and restaurants but street food which has been enjoyed since the time of the Nawabs. You will eat with royalty and when not doing that will be able to see the magnificent architecture of the Oudh period and also the Raj period. There is an option to follow your time in Lucknow with a short visit to Varanasi.
Both tours do, we should stress, also include a stay at a safari lodge at Chambal, where various aspects of village Indian life will be explored, and an amazing river safari will be included. The first of the tours also includes a night in Agra and a visit to the stunning Taj Mahal.
If you are interested in finding out more then contact us for more information.
