 |
| Suneet
Goenka |
In
a unique endeavour to promote tourism through food, Red Apple
Travel Pvt Ltd. (RAT) the recently appointed tourism representatives
of Myanmar in India, have tied up with the Le Meridien Hotels
and Resorts India to kick off a series of Burmese cultural
festivals in six different cities of India. Starting with
Mumbai on 18 January 2003, this cultural extravaganza is expected
to travel to Pune, Kochi, Bangalore, Delhi and Chennai.
On being questioned as to how a food festival could promote
tourism to Myanmar, Suneet Goenka, joint managing director,
RAT, replied “First and fore mostly I would like to clarify
that this is not merely a food festival, it is a complete
cultural showcase. Since food is an integral part of any countries
culture, we wanted to let Indians experience the cuisine and
get a taste and feel of Myanmars culture at large. The festival
therefore features Burmese traditional dance performances
and puppet shows put up by troops that have been especially
flown down from Myanmar for this festival. Another unique
feature uncharacteristic of any other food festival is the
stalls that have been put up with artisans making laquerware
in front of the onlookers. The stalls are also retailing traditional
Burmese handicrafts. All these activities put together will
certainly enhance knowledge of the countries culture in the
minds of the guests and will create sufficient intrigue to
make them want to visit Myanmar.”
A virtual walk through of photographs and stills of Myanmar
which were shot during the making of the tele serial ‘Musafir
Hoon Yaaron’ greeted each guest. This strategic plethora
of activities provided the guests with both a visual and virtual
treat. Pleased with the overwhelming response that witnessed
the entire city’s glitterati lapping up the Burmese fare,
Anurag Bhatnagar, director, food & Beverage, Le Meridien,
Mumbai, revealed “Burmese cuisine has not really been
exposed in India, this is a brilliant opportunity to showcase
the entire cuisine and educate the Indian taste buds. Since
food is eventually a derivative of culture, and since the
concept of our restaurant ‘Flames Live’ is a live
experience, we are proud to present this cultural fare cum
festival in six of our properties all over the country.”
RAT is reportedly also keen to take this cultural treat abroad
to Dubai, UK and Europe. “We are definitely taking this
experience abroad, but have not firmed up on our partnering
hosts” informed Goenka.
|
