The Zharkent Mosque, Architectural and Art Museum
It was built at merchant Talibai Yuldashev's request by two masters from China, over 100 years ago. The architectural style isclassical Chinese. The Museum includes a small mosque, the main mosque, a medrassa (Islamic school), a portal and main gates. It has a unique architecture, built without nails, with a ceiling made from Ili River cane.
The Zh. Zhabayev Literary Museum
The Museum was established in 1947 to acquaint visitors with the literary heritage of Zhambyl Zhabayev, the famous akyn(poet). The Museum complex includes the akyn's house, where he lived in 1936-38 and 1938-45, a conference hall where the akyn's ashes are stored, a garage and an administrative building. The complex is located among picturesque surroundings. N. Tlendiyev, a well-known composer and conductor, is also buried on the grounds.
The Altyn-Yemel State Memorial Shokan Valikhanov Museum
It was specially designed and built in 1985 and is located among beautiful surroundings, not far from the grave of Shokan Valikhanov. He was a great Kazakh scholar, scientist, and traveler and the museum demonstrates his short, but brilliant life and creative heritage. A statue of Sh. Valikhanov is located near the Museum.
The M. Tynyshhayev Historical Museum of the Almaty Region
It was established in 1974, moved in 1985-92, and hosts ancient archeological pieces of linysu, such as the military armor of the Ili Kazakh warriors, famous manuscripts and ancient musical instruments.
National Holidays, Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is a large multinational country which is rich with its both old traditions and new ones acquired for the period of Independence. The Republic of Kazakhstan observes international holidays such as New Year, 8 March but it also has holidays specific only for this country such as Unity Day, Capital Day etc.
All the holidays of Kazakhstan may be divided into national, state and professional ones. The national holidays are the holidays in honor of the events having a special historical importance for the development of Kazakhstan. Celebration of the national holidays is accompanied with holding of official events. Such holiday is considered Independence Day of Kazakhstan.
The state holidays are the holidays devoted to the events having social and political importance, they also include traditional Kazakh holidays. This category of the holidays includes New Year, 8 March, Nauryz, Unity Day, Capital Day, Constitution Day etc.
In addition to these holidays Kazakhstan has another type of holidays – professional ones celebrated by some categories of citizens:
• Fatherland Defender’s Day – 7 May
• Political Repression Victims Memory Day -31 May
• The Republic of Kazakhstan National Symbols’ Day – 4 June
• Police Day – 23 June
• Health Professionals’ Day (third Sunday of June)
• Press, Television and Radio Day (last Sunday of June)
• Diplomatic Service Day - 2 July
• Tax Service Day – 6 July
• Metal-Maker’s Day (third Sunday of July)
• Transport and Communication Workers’ Day (first Sunday of August)
• Builders’ Day – (second Sunday of August)
• Sports Day (third Sunday of August)
• Miner’ Day (last Sunday of August)
• Knowledge Day – 1 September
The holidays of national and state nature are days off for the whole Kazakhstan population. These days Kazakhstan holds open-air merrymaking and official events. Various festive events and festive concerts with participation of both Kazakh and foreign stars are arranged for the country’s population.
RESTAURANT SERVICE
Most everyone has experienced the acute frustration that comes with lousy service. We navigate endless phone menus while in hope of talking to a human. The cable guy who's supposed to show up between noon and 4 p.m. is late. We sit at a restaurant with a bowl of soup in front of us, but there's no spoon in sight.
Good customer service means making your guests feel welcome and taken care of. It means that no matter how they come to you, they leave happy. Most important, no matter what the business, giving good service means your customer will come back for more.
Even at the fanciest restaurants, it's rare to receive stellar service. But when all the pieces fall into place, it is a memorable and wonderful thing. Here are some tips from the restaurant hospitality pros:
Pay Attention
At a swanky, busy restaurant, a chef friend sent out a cornucopia of desserts to our table on the house. But what impressed us as much as the generous gift was that, at the start of the meal, a vegetarian companion asked about meat-free offerings. When those sweets arrived at meal's end, the server subtly pointed out which dessert was made with gelatin (an ingredient that's often a no-go for vegetarians) to the meat-eschewing diner. We all felt taken care of, our needs anticipated before we had to voice them. Paying attention to details and listening goes a long way.
Do It Right the First Time
Once a guest waits too long—or way too long—for their short ribs, it almost doesn't matter if they're the most succulent, flavorful, perfect short ribs ever prepared. The diner is already hungry, irritated and let down. Once there is a negative turning point, it is incredibly difficult to win back over a disappointed customer. What's easier? Avoid disappointing the customer in the first place.
Read the Guests
Everyone is different. People go out to eat for many reasons—to do business, to celebrate, to seduce, to taste new things. Some might enjoy a lengthy discussion about Italian wine varietals, others might dread it. Many are right at home in a fancy dining establishment, but many feel intimidated or awkward. So indulge in a long conversation about sous-vide or the provenance of the meal's ingredients only when your guests want to.
Fix Problems
Answer complaints. Do everything you can to find a solution. It's true that you can't please everyone, but maybe you can please this one person.
Help People Just Because
Carry someone's bag, or their drink. Hold the door, pull out the chair, fold their sweater nicely if it falls on the floor. Help someone fold up a stroller, hail a taxi or get directions. People will notice.
Sights in Almaty
Almaty sights range from natural attractions to man-made structures. Almaty is an economic hub and as the previous capital of the region, it is a large city. According to legend the modern city is built on the ruins of an ancient city. Burial sites, golden handicrafts and artifacts have been found in the area. Almaty was once a frontier fort which was then developed into a city.
Kok Tobe
Kok Tobe is located in the southeast, on the outskirts of the city. Kok Tobe is a mountain and from this area you can see views over the city. The area is magnificent at night when views over the city are illuminated by the city lights. There are view points set up for the convenience of visitors. Restaurants provide meals and refreshments. An entertainment center is situated on the mountain. The amusement park offers a fun-filled day for the whole family. Kok Tobe can be reached by aerial tramway from Hotel Kazakhstan. The mountain can also be reached by cable car which goes over beautiful gardens.
Almaty Tower
Alamaty Tower is located on Kok Tobe and can be seen throughout the city. Construction on the Almaty Tower began in 1975, and it is built out of steel and is designed to withstand earthquakes. It is in use as a television transmitter tower. It has a height of 371.5 meters, making it the tallest steel tower in the world. There are viewpoints on the tower but these are not open to visitors.
Chimbulak Ski Resort
Chimbulak Ski Resort is located 2200 meters above sea level. Chimbulak can be reached by road. The drive will take you past Medeu Skating Rink. The trip takes approximately 40 minutes out of peak traffic times. A cable-way takes guests to Talagar Pass where there is a ski run. On weekends and holidays the resort is busy as it is popular among locals. There are restaurants, cafes and shops. A lack of snow coverage sometimes causes problems for skiing. Many visitors use the lifts to go higher into the mountain to enjoy the spectacular views.
Butakovka Gorge
Butakovka Gorge offers scenic views and it is accessible by road. In the area is a waterfall which is 1860 meters high. The natural surroundings contain an abundance of wildlife. There is a sports and tourist center. The area offers an escape from the crowds of the city. Visitors can hike up to Big Almaty Lake.
Astana city
Astana, the capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan since 1997, is situated on a picturesque bank of the Ishim River.
The town of Akmolinsk acquired incorporated status in 1862. It had long been famous for its fairs. Merchants from all regions of Kazakhstan, Russia and the Central Asian countries traveled here. As the development of virgin lands began, the town was renamed Tselinograd and typified the administrative center of an agricultural region.
Since acquiring the status of capital the city's face has changed dramatically. The architects and builders working in the capital create wonderful architectural ensembles, which harmoniously combine modern design and oriental flair.
The Baiterek Tower has become the city's symbol and its visiting card. The height of the structure is 105 meters. At the height of 97 meters there is an observation deck providing a bird's eye view of the city. The figure of 97 was not chosen at random. It symbolizes the year of the movement of the capital from Almaty to Astana. The Baiterek Tower accommodates an art gallery, a largeaquarium and a restaurant.
Astana has become one of the largest business centers in the region. All governmental organizations, the diplomatic missions of 44 countries and 113 joint ventures and foreign businesses are located here.
Every year the city hosts various international industrial exhibitions, conferences, musical contests and festivals of the Kazakhstani people.
In 1999 by decision of UNESCO, Astana was awarded the title of World City. The city has an opera and Ballet Theater, a drama theater and a variety of museums. The monuments of Astana are a linking element between the new capital and its history, held in esteem by all the people of Kazakhstan.
Currently, many administrative buildings and business and entertainment centers are under construction in Astana. Among them is the Duman entertainment complex. It is a place for public recreation featuring an oceanarium, 3D movie theater, theater, area for slot machines and interactive games, multifunctional sideshow venue, bowling, night club, casino, hotel, cafes and restaurants and an indoor aquapark.
Another attraction of Astana is the ethnopark "Map of Kazakhstan - Atameken" representing a unique outdoor museum. The map area of 1.7 hectares features cities and historical memorials of Kazakhstan.
The climate of the region is extreme with typically long and snowy winters. Average January temperature is -14°C to 18°C which sometimes drops to below -40°C. Spring is late but amazingly beautiful, and comes at the end of March. At this time, the steppe looks especially wonderful with its wealth of blooming toffees and tulips. Summers are moderately hot, with plenty of rainshowers and clear sunny days. Average July temperature is 20°C to 24°C.
CAREERS IN TOURISM
The tourism sector is diverse and offers career opportunities in a wide variety of jobs that are professionally and financially rewarding.
There are over 1 million people currently employed in tourism in the Caribbean and as the sector becomes increasingly important to the region’s economy and continues to grow, more qualified personnel will be needed to service this people intensive industry.
Here is basic information that will help you start thinking about the many jobs in tourism and will point you in the direction of other places for useful information. Tourism is divided into eight sub-sectors:
1. Accommodation
Every visitor needs a place to stay. Some visitors select large luxury hotels whilst others prefer resorts, guesthouses, or fully equipped villas. Career opportunities exist within six distinct areas: Administration, Front Office, Guest Services, Rooms Division, Engineering, and Security. This sector provides great opportunities to meet people from all over the world, be part of an exciting team and leave our visitors with positive experiences.
2. Food & Beverage
This sector is one of the fastest growing and jobs fall typically in one of two categories - “front-of-house operations” which involves welcoming customers, serving the food and beverages, cleaning etc, and “back-of-house operations” in the kitchen where food and beverages are purchased, stored and prepared. Practical skills training are required for a job in this area and there is plenty of room for upward mobility.
3. Adventure Tourism
Adventure/Recreation is another expanding sector in tourism which responds to the needs of travelers who desire active, recreational experiences. There are many business opportunities and jobs for locals that typically relate to outdoor activities involving interaction with the natural environment. These areas range from: sporting activities (golf, tennis, etc.) outdoor adventure and outdoor recreation (hiking, sailing, wildlife viewing, scuba diving, etc.), marine activities and terrestrial parks.
4. Transportation
Tourism involves the movement of people to destinations outside where they normally live and work. As such, tansportation plays a very important role. Air, ground and water transportation provides numerous job opportunities.
5. Attractions
While visitors are typically attracted to the Cayman Islands for its sun, sand, and year-round warm weather, there are also nature based cultural and historical sites and attractions that entertain, educate and inform visitors and residents alike.
6. Travel Trade
Many visitors buy “packaged” holidays which are put together by wholesalers called Tour Operators, and then sold through retailers called Travel Agents. Typically elements in a packaged holiday include the airline ticket, airport transportation, accommodation, meals, etc. In the destination there are also ground-handlers or ground tour operators who provide services such as tour guides, hosts etc.
7. Events & Conferences
Planning, organising and executing events and conferences requires enormous amounts of work. Event and conference planners are involved in carnivals, music festivals, sporting events, International conferences, etc.
Companies and associations, which meet frequently, hire convention planners whose specialised knowledge and skills are necessary to ensure that a conference/event runs smoothly. The types of services provided may include: on-site planning and coordination, organisation of special events, security, entertainment, interior decoration, registration and post conference tours. Meetings and conventions planners have the opportunity to attend and work at conferences across the globe.
8. Tourism Services
The diverse and complex nature of tourism means that it is often necessary for suppliers of goods and services to work together. Organisations, associations and government agencies/departments have been established to deal effectively with key issues that affect tourism development as a whole. A variety of service occupations and organisations support tourism such as Government associations (trade), marketing services, research & consulting, and education and training.
Chart your way to a tourism career
Contact your Department of Tourism or Career Guidance Counselors at schools and colleges to find out what is available regarding possible courses for your chosen career.
Throughout the world, there are colleges and training centres which offer tourism and hospitality training programmes. Contact employers and ask them what they look for in successful candidates.
Scholarship Opportunities
The Ministry of Tourism’s Scholarship Programme
This Scholarship Programme is a tourism capacity building campaign that provides the opportunity for more Caymanian tourism professionals to gain the education and training needed for them to succeed in the industry. Scholarships are offered for those wishing to pursue a bachelors or masters degree in tourism/tourism related field.
The Tourism Apprenticeship Training Programme (TATP)
Based on the philosophy of learning by doing, the TATP provides Apprentices with vocational skills, and combines on the-job training with classroom instruction.
Finally.... Qualifications alone are no guarantee of a job in the hospitality, leisure, travel, tourism industry. Much depends on your personality, attitude, communication skills, plus a common sense approach to work and life in general.
THE HISTORY IN TOURISM
For my first post, I’ve decided to write briefly about the history of tourism to lay a strong foundation for future posts. I’ve used as a reference an article of the magazine Biocontact n°202, written by Isabel Babou with the title ‘Des tourismes ? Non un tourisme, un seul.‘ (Different kinds of tourism? No, just one).
Isabel Babou is a consultant and lecturer in the tourism sector, and vice-president of l’Afest (French Association of Tourism Scientists and Experts). She holds a diploma as judiciary expert and is the co-author (with Philippe Callot) of the book ‘Dilemmes du tourisme‘ (Dilemmas of tourism), from Vuibert editions.
From Travel to Tourism
Travelling is often considered as the ancestor of tourism. The Larousse dictionary, 1876indicates that ‘in the time of the stagecoaches, the tourist was almost non-existent, there were only travellers‘. If tourism nowadays is a pleasure, travelling has not always been so.
Nor the Greek neither the Romans considered that the joys of travelling, war and pilgrimages justified their trips. The Greek had emissaries in charge of delivering presents and offerings, so they wouldn’t have to travel. For the Romans, quite stay-at-home people, travelling was a synonym of exile and loss of roots.
If travel has always existed, when did it become tourism?
Some milestones:
- 1741: The Englishmen William Windham and Richard Pococke publish ‘Account of the glaciers or Ice Alps in Savoy‘
- 1760: The English invent the concept of ‘Hotel‘. From 1895 there are continuous improvements in comfort: Running water, electricity in all the rooms, then private toilets. The Ritz hotel in Paris was the first one to provide such a luxury in all its rooms.
- 1830: The Railway is invented.
- 1838: Stendhal publishes ‘Memoirs of a tourist‘
- 1856: Thomas Cook launches the first organised trips.
- 1936: Law for paid holidays in France
- 1948: The paid holidays are included in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- 1950: Opening of the first Club Med village (original all-inclusive resort).
During the sixties and thanks to the development of the air transport, the North-Americans start flying to islands in the Caribbean and Hawaii. The tropical sun becomes a product sold by the tour-operators and the hotel chains. It is the beginning of the winter sun.
The first definitions
The definition of tourist from the dictionary Larousse 1896: ‘person who travels out of curiosity or idleness‘.
This idea of ‘Pleasure of travelling’ is modern and linked to the industrial revolution, which instituted work as a universal value, while before idleness was the norm. Thus, the right to leisure is born: etymologically ‘leisure’ means ‘to be permitted, not to be pressed’.
This 130 year old definition apparently still holds. It contains all the elements of today’s tourism (negative image, tourism of masses, disdainful). The masses work and therefore they have the right to enjoy their leisure time.
Jules Sandeau, poet-playwright of the XIX century, advocates clearly for the pleasures of the places empty of tourists: ‘This small country is poor but picturesque; what I like most is that it is ignored, that no indiscreet tourist has ever betrayed the mistery‘.
We prefer the definition of the Larousse dictionary 1889: ‘Person who travels on foot for his or her own pleasure and education‘. It is interesting to note here the way of transport and the motivations behind the trip. This is what the responsible tourism of the XXI century will be about.
Almaty
Almaty (Kazakh: Алматы / Almatı, pronounced [ɑlmɑtɯ]), formerly known as Alma-Ata (Russian: Алма-Ата), is the largest city in Kazakhstan, and was the country's capital until 1997.[3] Despite losing its status as the capital to Astana, Almaty remains the major commercial and cultural centre of Kazakhstan, also with the biggest population. The city is located in the mountainous area of southern Kazakhstan, near the border of Kyrgyzstan.
During 1000–900 BC in the Bronze Age the first farmers and cattle-breeders established settlements on the territory of Almaty.
During the Saka period (from 700 BC to the beginning of the Common Era), these lands were chosen for residence by Saka tribes and later Wusun tribes who inhabited the territory north of the Tian Shan mountain range. Evidence of these times can be found in the numerous burial mounds (tumuli) and ancient settlements, especially the giant burial mounds of the Saka tsars. The most famous archaeological finds have been the "Golden man" from the Issyk Kurgan, the Zhalauly treasure, the Kargaly diadem, and the Zhetysuarts bronzes (boilers, lamps and altars).
During the period of Saka and Wusun governance, Almaty became an early educational centre.
To 2000
From 1966 to 1971, 1,400,000 square metres of public and cooperative housing were built. Annually, around 300,000 square metres of dwellings were under construction, and most of the buildings made during this time were earthquake-proof multi-storey buildings. Furthermore, construction unification and type-design practice diversified architectural forms, leading to a more varied city-scape. During this period, many schools, hospitals, cultural, and entertainment facilities were constructed, including Lenin’s Palace, theKazakhstan Hotel, and the "Medeo" sports complex.
The Medeu Dam, designed to protect the city of Almaty and the Medeo skating rink from catastrophic mudflows, was built in 1966 and reinforced a number of times in the 1960s and 1970s.
The supersonic transport Tupolev Tu-144 went into service on 26 December 1975, carrying mail and freight between Moscow and Alma-Ata in preparation for passenger services, which began in November 1977. The Aeroflot flight on 1 June 1978 was the 55th and last scheduled passenger flight of the Tu-144.
Since 1981, the subway Almaty Metro project has been under construction and the subway was opened on 1 December 2011 after 23 years.
On 16 December 1986 the Jeltoqsan riot took place in response to General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev's dismissal of Dinmukhamed Kunayev.
In 1993 the government made a decision to rename the city from Alma-Ata to Almaty.
In 1997 the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev approved the Decree to transfer the capital from Almaty toAstana.[8]
On 1 July 1998 a law was passed concerning the special status of Almaty as a scientific, cultural, historical, financial, and industrial centre.
St century
The new General Plan of Almaty for 2030 was developed in 1998 and aims at creating ecologically safe, secure, and socially comfortable living conditions in the city. The main objective is to promote Almaty’s image as a garden-city.
One of the components of the General Plan is to continue multi-storied and individual construction, reorganize industrial territories, improve transport infrastructure and expand Almaty Metro. The first line of Almaty metro was launched on 1 December 2011, two weeks ahead of schedule. The extension of the line to Kalkaman is currently under construction and is planned to open in 2015.
The area of the city has been expanded during recent years with the suburban settlements of Kalkaman, Kok Tube, Gorniy Gigant (Mountain Giant) being added to the city. Numerous apartment blocks, and office skyscrapers have transformed the face of the town, which climbs higher and higher up the mountains.
Climate
The climate in Almaty is a humid continental climate with very warm summers and cold winters. It is characterized by the influence of mountain-valley circulation, which is especially evident in the northern part of the city, located directly in the transition zone of the mountain slopes to the plains.
HOTEL SERVICE
Nowadays people travel on business and as tourists more than in the past. No businessman can avoid being a paying guest every now and then. In big cities there are a lot of good hotels.Accommodations as well as rates vary from hotel to hotel. There are deluxe hotels, the most luxurious and the most expensive, resort hotels used for entertainment or recreation. Still, if you do not want to get disappointed, it is advisable to book accommodation beforehand by fax or telephone, especially if you are visiting the town during the summer months. If you do not book accommodation beforehand, you may have to leave the hotel because it is fully booked up. That would be an unpleasant experience, especially if you arrived late at night.
Rooms in most hotels have all modern conveniences: central heating, air conditioning, bathroom, hairdryer, trouser press, telephone, satellite TV and others. Service is usually quite satisfactory.You can take a single room, a double room or a suite, charges varying accordingly. If you can't stand the noise of the street, do not take an outside room, ask for an inside one.
Service is supposed to begin at the door. When your taxi stops at the entrance to the hotel the doorman and the bellboy help you with the luggage. The doorman is very important during the reception procedure. He is stationed at the entrance to the hotel and assists the guests in and out of taxis and cars, calls for cabs. In the lobby of a hotel there is a registration or front desk where the guests check in and out, pick up and deposit keys and so on. The guest is given a registration card to fill out the name and permanent address. The desk clerk or receptionist enters the guest’s room number, the room rate, and the arrival and departure dates into the computer. Then he asks the guest to sign his or her name.
When the guests are through with the formalities, the bellboy takes them and their luggage up in the lift and shows them to their room. He shows them where the light switches are and explains the use of the room appliances, such as the television set, cooking facilities, if any, and the air conditioning. He can also run errands for you. Now that you have been settled in a hotel room and have been given the key of it, you become a regular hotel guest.
At the hotel you can get various services. If you want to have your suit pressed or dry cleaned, your shirt ironed, or your laundry done, you should ring for the maid and she will see to it that everything is done. You can also have your meals served in your room.
In the lobby of a hotel there are a lot of offices: a booking office, post and telegraph offices, an information desk supervised by the concierge. At the information desk you can enquire about the departures and arrivals of trains and flights, about telephone numbers and addresses of offices and private individuals and about a lot of other things. Concierges are always ready to help the guests and provide them with all kinds of useful information. Besides, there is a newsstand, a bookstall, a kiosk selling picture postcards and souvenirs. Cosmetics and liquor are sold too, but with a sales tax. At the airport you can buy them tax-free. At the booking office they can book for you seats at the theatre or on the plane, or hotel accommodation in another town.
In the same building there are also restaurants, bars, cafeterias, beauty parlours, saunas, steam rooms and massage rooms, along with fully equipped supervised gyms and swimming pools.
Types of Restaurants
Today there are many different types of restaurants, from fast food to family casual. Here is a brief overview of some of the more popular restaurant concepts.
Fast Food Restaurant
Fast food is the most familiar restaurant to most people. Chains like McDonalds and Burger King became popular in the 1950s, and helped spawn countless other concepts like Taco Bell, KFC and In&Out Burger. Fast food service attracted customers for its speed and convenience. Fast food restaurants are typically chains. If you are thinking of opening a fast food franchise, keep in mind that the initial costs of franchising are more expensive than opening an independent restaurant.
Fast Casual Dining
This is one of the biggest trends right now. Fast casual is slightly more upscale than fast food. Fast casual restaurants offer disposable dishes and flatware, but their food tends to be presented as more upscale, such as gourmet breads and organic ingredients. Open kitchens are popular with fast casual chains, where customers can see their food being prepared. Boston Market is classified as fast casual.
Café
A café is a restaurant that does not offer table service. Customers order their food from a counter and serve themselves. A café menu traditionally offers things such as coffee, espresso, pastries and sandwiches. Cafes originated in Europe and are strongly associated with France. They are known for their casual, unhurried atmosphere. Outdoor seating is another trademark of a café. Panera Bread is an example of a popular bakery-café chain. The term bistro is sometimes interchanged with café. A bistro is actually a café that offers full meals (albeit, cheaper than a full fledged sit down restaurant).
Pub
Short for Public House, pubs date back hundred of years to Europe, especially Great Britain. Pubs have a timeless appeal, for their laid back atmosphere. Brewpubs offer beer made in house, as well as a wide selection of other beers and ales. Pubs can offer full menus, as well as appetizers. Many casual style restaurants have a separate pub side to their establishment.
Casual Style Dining
Also known as family style dining in the United States. Casual style restaurants offer moderately priced entrees. This is one of the largest markets in the US right now. Causal style dining can be any number of themes, from Italian (Olive Garden) to seafood (Red Lobster) to Mexican (Chilis). Casual style restaurants offer table side service, non-disposable dishes, while still keeping the menu moderately priced.
Fine Dining
Just as the name implies, fine dining is used to describe a much more upscale restaurant, one that offers diners an elegant atmosphere with high quality service. The chefs in fine dining restaurants are usually professionally trained, and the food is fairly expensive, but worth it.
tourist companies
A travel agency is a private retailer or public service that provides tourism related servicesto the public on behalf of suppliers such as airlines, car rentals, cruise lines, hotels,railways, and package tours. In addition to dealing with ordinary tourists most travel agencies have a separate department devoted to making travel arrangements for business travelers and some travel agencies specialize in commercial and business travel only. There are also travel agencies that serve as general sales agents for foreign travel companies, allowing them to have offices in countries other than where their headquarters are located.
The British company Cox & Kings is sometimes said to be the oldest travel agency in the world, but this rests upon the services that the original bank, established in 1758, supplied to its wealthy clients. The modern travel agency first appeared in the second half of the 19th century. Thomas Cook, in addition to developing the package tour, established a chain of agencies in the last quarter of the 19th century, in association with the Midland Railway. They not only sold their own tours to the public, but in addition, represented other tour companies. Other British pioneer travel agencies were Dean & Dawson,[1] the Polytechnic Touring Association and the Co-operative Wholesale Society. The oldest travel agency in the United States is Brownell Travel; on July 4, 1887, Walter T. Brownell led ten travelers on a European tour, setting sail from New York on the SS Devonia.[2]
Travel agencies became more commonplace with the development of commercial aviation, starting in the 1920s. Originally, travel agencies largely catered to middle and upper class customers, but the post-war boom in mass-market package holidays resulted in travel agencies on the main streets of most British towns, catering to a working-class clientele, looking for a convenient way to book overseas beach holidays.
Types of agencies
There are three different types of agencies in the UK: multiples, miniples and independent agencies. The former comprises a number of national chains, often owned by international conglomerates, like Thomson Holidays, now a subsidiary of TUI AG, the German multinational.[7] It is now quite common for the large mass-market tour companies to purchase a controlling interest in a chain of travel agencies, in order to control the distribution of their product. (This is an example of vertical integration.) The smaller chains are often based in particular regions or districts.
Four different types of agencies exist in the United States: independent, consortium, regional and mega agencies. American Expressand the American Automobile Association (AAA) are examples of mega travel agencies.
Independent agencies usually cater to a special or niche market, such as the needs of residents in an upmarket commuter town or suburb or a particular group interested in a similar activity, such as sporting events, like football, golf or tennis.
There are two approaches of travel agencies. One is the traditional, multi-destination, outbound travel agency, based in the originating location of the traveler and the other is the destination focused, inbound travel agency, that is based in the destination and delivers an expertise on that location. At present, the former is usually a larger operator while the latter is often a smaller, independent operator.
Consolidators
A travel agent may work for a travel agency or work freelance.[12]
With many people switching to self-service internet websites, the number of available jobs as travel agents is decreasing.[13]Counteracting the decrease in jobs due to internet services is the increase in the number of people travelling.
Since 1995, many travel agents have exited the industry, and relatively few young people have entered the field due to less competitive salaries.[14] However, others have abandoned the 'brick and mortar' agency for a home-based business to reduce overheads and those who remain have managed to survive by promoting other travel products such as cruise lines and train excursions or by promoting their ability to aggressively research and assemble complex travel packages on a moment's notice, essentially acting as a very advancedconcierge. In this regard, travel agents can remain competitive, if they become "travel consultants" with flawless knowledge of destination regions and specialize in topics like nautical tourism or cultural tourism.[15]
Nauryz
Nauryz is one of the oldest holidays on Earth. This holiday of spring and the renewed life of the Earth has been celebrated for over five thousand years by many cultures of the Middle and Central Asia and, according to some sources, by eastern Slavs as well.
Historical records referring to this holiday can be found in ancient and middle age documents. In the oriental chronology, it corresponds to Navruz, the Iranian New Year. Kazakhs, Uzbeks and Uighurs passed the Nauryz traditions from generation to generation. The Tajiks called it Gulgardon or Gulnavruz, the Tatars refer to it as Nardugan and the Ancient Greeks knew it as Patrich. The roots of this holiday can be traced to old pagan rituals. The celebration was meant to reflect people's love to nature. People have preserved the rituals, and today the holiday has acquired new spiritual and ethical meaning.
This holiday has been celebrated on 22 March, the day of the spring equinox. That's why the Kazakhs call the month of March Nauryz. It was celebrated as the day of the renewed life which comes with the spring. It was the day when the first spring thunder strikes, buds are swelling on the trees and vegetation grows wildly. Nauryz as a non-religious celebration of the spring and renewal is closely linked to some other Kazakh holidays, such as a "farewell to winter" festival. Boys born on this day would be called Nauryzbai or Nauryzbek, and girls Nauryz or Nauryzgul. It was seen as a good omen if it was snowing on that day.
The March snow is usually soft and particularly white. Beautiful girls were often compared to the white snow of Nauzys. In the past, the Kazakh called Nauryz the Day of the People or the Great Day of the People. People believed, the more generous the celebration of Nauryz was the happier the year would be. Therefore, there are so many rituals and festivities related to this holiday. On the eve of the holiday, people would clean their homes, pay back their debts and reconciled with their opponents because, as the old people used to say, if Nauryz entered the house, all diseases and failures would pass it by. On the night before the festival, all vessels in the house would be filled with milk, airan (plain yogurt), grain, and spring water because it meant that people would have a lot of milk, good yield and plenty of rain during the coming year.
During the day, everybody tried to be in good spirits, would give a big hug to each other and wish good fortune and happiness to others. The celebrations would begin with sunrise. There is an old ritual "If you see a spring, clean up its source". At dawn, all adults, youngsters and children would pick up spades, go to an agreed place near a spring or aryk (small water canal) and clean it. There, they would also plant trees under the supervision of respectable old people. During the process, they had to say: "Let a man leave a tree rather than a herd in the people's memory" and "If you cut one tree, you will have to plant ten!"
After the ritual was completed, three messengers went around the village or town and called everybody to join the celebrations. They were dressed in bright festive costumes. Sometimes, they dressed up like heroes of Kazakh fairly-tales: Aldar Kose, Zhirenshe and beautiful Karashash. Then, the show would begin. People enjoyed themselves and congratulated each other with the New Year. They wish each other all the best, sang songs specially composed for this holiday called Nauryz Zhyr, watched wrestling between a man and a woman and took part in the competitions in toung-twisting ("zhanyltpash") or riddle solving ("zhumbak").
A great deal of food was prepared during these days. It symbolized prosperity and wealth in the coming year. At noon, a bull was killed and a special dish was cooked from the meat. It was called "bell-koterer" (posture straightening) because the bull was considered to be one of the strongest animals and meals cooked from its meat would give people strength and stamina. Each family would lay a dastarkhan (festive table). People would sit down at the table at noon. Mullah would read prayers dedicated to ancestors before and after the meal. At the end of the meal, the oldest men among them would give a blessing so that prosperity would never leave the family.
The Kazakhs attached special importance to the number of seven during the Nauryz celebrations because it symbolized the seven days of the week, which was considered to be a time unit of the universal eternity. Seven bowls with the Nauryz-kozhe drink (made from seven sorts of seven types of herbs) would be put in front of the aksakals (respectable old people). The meals were composed of seven components, usually meat, salt, fat, onions, wheat, kurt (a type of cheese) and irimshik (a kind of cottage cheese).
The celebration always included mass games, traditional horse races and other competitions. The most famous and favourite were the games of "Aikysh-uishysh" (towards each other) and "Audaryspek" where dzhigits (skillful horsemen) had to pull each other down from their saddles. Sport competitions were popular and both boys and girls could take part in them. A girl would invite a dzhigit to have a go and compete with her on one condition: if he wins, he would have the right to marry her, and if she wins he would have to obey her and execute her every desire.
Hence, Nauryz would often turn into a wedding celebration. All people regardless of their gender, age and social position were excused from daily duties and took an equal part in the fun and games. Various ethical bans regarding relations between men and women were lifted during this time, even the relations between the oldest brother-in-law and sister-in-law. (Scientists link this game to free dating and mass entertainment which was widespread when two clans were intermarrying at the time when nature came back to life. Then, all bans and restrictions in the relations between men and women were lifted for a short period of time.) A poetic show would complete the day: two Akyns (poets) took part in a song competition. The competition would be over with the sunset when, according to a common belief, the good defeated the evil. Then, people would start a fire and, carrying torches lit from the fire, would go around the village, sing and dance. That was the end of the festival celebrating the spring renewal and equinox. The history of Nauryz has been complicated. The totalitarian Soviet system did not recognize the existence of any national identity and any reference to traditional heritage was considered to be an anachronism and remnants of the past. Nauryz was cancelled in 1926. It was first recreated in Kazakhstan only in 1988 and was extremely popular. Officially, Nauryz was recognized on 15 March 1991 by a Presidential Decree. The President declared 22 March, the day of the spring equinox, a holiday.
Since then, Nauryz has been widely celebrated across the whole country. Of course, the modern festival is essentially different from the old. It is not only about staged shows, ornate yurts, and delicious Nauryz-kozhe. It is also about charitable events, folk sporting games, tending of plants, planting trees, cleaning of parks, streets and squares.
Nowadays, it has become a truly national holiday of spring, work and unity. It is dear to all the peoples living in the multinational Kazakhstan.
Kazakh national cuisine
Hospitality has always been a main character trait of Kazakh people. Even if you have just a minute to pop in to a Kazakh house, an owner will still ask you to sit down and offer a fragrant tea with sweets. Respectful attitude to the guests contributed to the fact that traditional Kazakh feast took a shape of a ceremony, noninferior, in its philosophical and allegorical content, to world famous Chinese tea ceremony.
Hospitable owner would offer his guest a seat at a place of honor. Traditionally, meal is served at a low round table, called dastarkhan. First and foremost, in order to quench thirst of the guest a hostess would treat him with a bowl of yogurt drink. This can be "kumys" - a drink based on fermented mare's milk - or shubatthe main ingredient of which is camel milk. Then, table will be filled with baursaks- balls of dough, pre-fried in boiling oil (Asian analogue of donuts), samsa- triangular pastries with meat,kausyrma- a kind of thin pastries or fried doughs filled with meat and onions, raisins,kurt(small, salted cheese balls) and, of course, tea. Here, to be objective, we should say that tea never grew on the territory of Kazakhstan, it was introduced to the Steppe of Kazakhstan from the outside, but despite this, tea quickly gained popularity among the local population. And today, in fact, it is one of the main drinks in Kazakh society.
After a long-drawn tea ceremony, assortment of dishes on the festive table will be complemented by meat dishes: kazi, shuzhuk, zhal, zhaya, karta, kabyrga. The above dishes are traditionally prepared from horse meat or lamb. The main dish of Kazakh cuisine, with which owners welcome their guests is besbarmak. Name of this dish is translated from Kazakh as “five fingers” because of a manner to eat the dish by hand. Besbarmak's main ingredients are: meat (lamb or horse meat), pasta (it is cut into small squares), as well as herbs (dill , parsley, cilantro, etc.).
The procedure of cutting meat cooked for besbarmak is a separate special ritual. Typically, this mission is laid on the owner or a highly respected guest. According to traditions, each part of meat has its own meaning and is served in a special way. Thus, meat from the pelvic bone and tibia is given to senior honored guests. Son or daughter-law gets pruning from a sternum. Cervical vertebra is usually served for unmarried girls. Sheep's head is cooked in a special way and is served separately. The right to cut this element of besbarmak is usually given to a guest of the highest rank.
According to the European classification, all these dishes belong to a group of second dishes and snacks. As for traditional Kazakh first course, sorpa – rich broth completed by seasoned vegetables, spices and herbs - occupies a special place. Sorpa, unlike other first courses, is for drinking, so it is served in bowls.
Tea ceremony completes the meal.
| Interesting facts about Kazakh cuisine: - Main ingredients in traditional Kazakh cuisine are meat, flour and milk products, though nowadays many other ingredients are common in the cuisine. - Kazakhs are believed to be among the top countries in tea consumption, almost every meal is followed by tea in Kazakh families. - Kazakh cuisine is usually not spicy. - There are many high calorie dishes in the traditional Kazakh cuisine. |
types of hotels
The hotel industry is so vast and therefore Classification is based on many criteria. Hotels may be categorized upon different factors:
1. 1. Location
2. 2. Size of property
3. 3. Type of Plan
4. 4. Level of service
5. 5. Length of stay
6. 6. Type of clientele
7. 7. Target market
8. 8. Based on theme
Location wise:
· Downtown hotel or City centre hotels: It is located in the heart of city. Tariffs are high due to their location advantage as these hotels are near corporate offices, shopping arcade, business centre, public buildings etc and also to the fact that rate of ROI calculated on the capital intensive property is considerably high. Normally business clientele are preferred and it has high occupancy on week days.Best example to fit in this category is Hyatt regency New Delhi.
· Motels or Motor hotels: Earlier it was termed as motor hotels now it is known as motels they are located on highways, they only provide lodging to highway travellers that means no food and beverage is served in this type of hotel they guest generally have an overnight stay and these provide more than enough parking spaces for their vehicles. Example: KTDC motel in kerala.
· Suburban hotels: It has very quite surrounding as they are located in suburban areas; the occupancy is generally having high traffic on weekend. Tariffs of these hotel rates are reasonably low and therefore it is perfect for budget travellers.
· Airport hotels: As name says it is situated near by the airport. They have transit guest who stay over between flights for few hours. The guests generally prefer these types as hotel as they have to cut down the travelling hours and have very minimum time just for their work. Tariffs are reasonable here. Example: Centaur hotelin New delhi and Mumbai.
· Floating hotels: These are the type of hotel are generally which floats. These hotels are established on luxury liners or ship generally located on lakes, rivers and sea. These are cruise in this rooms are generally small and all furniture is fixed down. It has long stay guest and have all the facilities which a normal hotel has for example food and beverage services, laundry, bar etc. Travelling is not the main purpose of this ship. Boatels are also a kind of floating hotels they are generally a house boats. They also offer luxurious stay to their guest. Example for floating hotel is Royal caribbean cruise ships and shikaras of Kashmir for boatels.
· Inns: They are located inside or outside the city. They are smaller in size and just have lodging facility. It has reasonably very low tariff and it’s generally for budgeted clientele. The length of stay is from one to two days.
· Rotels: These are hotel on wheel. These are in form of buses as well as trains. They providing a luxurious hotel atmosphere to the travellers they are like hotel room and have facility of food and beverage. They are normally used by small group of travellers. Examples are palace on wheels and Deccan Odessey.
· Resorts: These leisure hotels are located at the beaches or in the hills. They are also termed as health resort or beach hill resort and so depending on their position and location. They are for vacationers it generally cater a person who wants to relax, enjoy with their families. They include adventurous trip. Most resort has high occupancy rates during peak season. Sales and revenue fluctuate from season to season. Examples are: Raj vilas jaipur, vanya vilas ranthambore etc.
Size of Property:
The benchmark for the categorization of hotel is by the number of rooms
available in the hotel.
· Hotel which has 25-100 rooms are known as small hotels.
· Hotel which has 100-300 rooms is known as medium sized hotel.
· Hotel which have more than 300 rooms are termed as large hotels.
· Hotels with more than 1000 rooms are known as mega hotels.
· The group that have hotels in many number of location in India and international venues are known as chain hotels. The main hotel chains of India are: the Oberoi Group, maurya shereton, leela palace, ITDC ashoka group, taj hotels and resorts, and some of the international chains are Hyatt regency, Le Meridien, Shangri-La, Marriott etc.
Type of plan:
Hotels can also be classified by the type of plans which they offer. A plan is a combination of room tariff and meals. There are different hotels with different plans. The hotels decide plans according to the type of clientele and their duration of stay. These plans are:
· European plan: Just lodging charges of a room is included. In this type of plan a guest can to eat wherever and whenever he or she wishes to eat.
· Continental plan: It includes room tariff as well as continental breakfast of the guest. This plan is beneficial for business travellers or tourists.
· American plan: It includes room tariff and three time meal i.e. breakfast, lunch and dinner.
· Modified American plan: It include room tariff and two time meal which is breakfast and either lunch or dinner. This plan is beneficial for economic tourists.
Level of service:
This is the most important criteria for classifying hotels. Hotels can be classified into economy, mid market or semi economic hotel and luxury hotels. This is done on the basis of the level of
service they offer.
· Economy Hotels: these are also known as Budget hotels in this hotels guest is provided by a clean and comfortable room with the minimum required amenities.
· Mid market hotels: It offers small living room with appropriate furniture and small bed room with king sized bed they facilities provided in this hotel are swimming pool, health club etc. These hotels are called as suite hotels.
· Luxury hotels: These types of hotels provide world class service to the guest. The room has entire facility with antique furniture and special artwork. These hotels have variety of restaurant and lounges; it even has concierge service and business centre, shopping arcade, sports facility etc. The prime market for these hotels are mainly celebrities, business man, corporate head and high ranking political figures. Example:Hyatt Regency, Mumbai.
Length of Stay:
The classification of hotel is also classified by the length of stay of a guest. It is categorized into transient, residential and semi residential hotels.
· Transient Hotel: Airport hotels can be termed as transient hotels. In this type of hotel the guest stays for a day or even less. The occupancy rate is usually very high.
· Residential hotels: In this type of hotel guest stay for a minimum period of one month and up to a year. The lease is signed with a guest and rent can be paid on monthly or quarterly basis. They room is provided bed room and kitchenette. The tariff is reasonably low in these types of hotels.
· Semi residential hotels: The hotel which include features of both transient and residential hotel.
Type of clientele:
Hotels are categorized into group hotels, commercial hotels and family hotels. This categorization is mainly based on the type of stakeholders.
· Group hotels: these types of hotel generally cater to groups and therefore use American plans. Vacationers are their biggest clientele.
· Commercial hotels: these types of hotel cater mostly to business man and therefore use European plan in their hotels.
· Family hotel: these types of hotels are situated in resort cities and they cater families therefore they use American plan.
Target Market:
· Commercial hotel: they target clientele are businesses men who visit these types of hotels for business purpose. These hotels are located in busy commercial areas especially in the heart of city therefore it gets high business.
· Convention hotels: these hotels are used for conventional purpose. Seminars, conferences, events, education and job fairs, exhibitions, events take place here. They have large convention complex and cater to group of people who are there to attend these events. Hotel with largest convention centre in India is Le meridian, Cochin.
· Suite hotels: These hotel offer compact kitchenette along with rooms. They cater guest who has to stay away from home due to their business they keep on relocating from one place to another. These types of clientele are lawyers and executives.
· Casino hotels: This type of hotel has gambling facilities with guest room, food and beverage. These hotels operate 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. They cater leisure and vacation travellers.Las Vegas in United State is Famous for Casino hotels.
Based on Theme:
· Ecotels: These hotels are eco friendly and amenities provided in these hotels are environmental friendly. Orchid Mumbai is Asia first and most popular five star ecotel.
· Boutique hotels: This hotel offer themed rooms to the guests. They provide stylish accommodation and antique furniture. These hotels cater to corporate travellers. The Park Bangalore is a boutique hotel in India.
· Spas: This is a luxury hotel resort which offer therapeutic bath, massage and therapies along with other hotels offerings. Ananda spa in Himalaya is the most popular Spa.
· Heritage hotel: these are hotels which are converted from heritage properties. These hotels give glimpse of the earlier tradition of a particular region. In this hotel rooms are offered with their history. Traditional cuisine is served to the guest and entertainment is done by folk artist. Jai Mahal palace in Jaipur.