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CBI, Thomas Cook sign agreement for MoneyGram

Central Bank of India recently inked an agreement with Thomas Cook, a travel services company to offer MoneyGram international money transfer services. The bank has a network of 3282 branches and 262 extension counters across the country and with transaction time being as little as ten minutes, such services can be availed of by dependents of NRIs and also tourists who may run short of money in the country.

Anantara Hospitality set to expand

Anantara Hospitality, an eco-friendly boutique resort developed on the lines of an NGO, is looking at expanding its portfolio in India. The company is looking at developing new properties in Kerala and Uttarakhand among other locations in India. Ramgarh, the resort being developed in Bangalore, is due to be opened in 2009. Presently, the company owns, manages and markets four resorts in Karnataka and Kerala, including Ambatti Greens (golf retreat), Shalimar Spice Gardens, Laika and Our Native Village.

Innovative Film City to be operational by April 2008

Bangalore-based Innovative group of companies dealing with film exhibitions, television production, distribution and promotions has marked its foray into the amusement industry by setting up Innovative Film City on the Bangalore- Mysore highway. Expected to be operational by April 2008, the theme park will cover an area of 56 acres. Innovative Film City has tied up with international players and will house Ripleys Believe it or not, Louis Tussads wax museum, Guinness World Records museum, among its main attractions. Other attractions will include Dinosaur World, Cartoon City, artificial beach, go-karting, Funplex, Cartoon City, Mini-golf and haunted mansion. The theme park will also house film studios, mock sets, a 21-inch screen multiplex and a film academy, among others. The Innovative Film City has tied up with the Dubai-based ETA Star Group for hospitality.

Resorts World, Sentosa eyes India outbound

Resorts World, an integrated resort being developed by integrated resort specialist, Genting International is looking to target India's growing outbound leisure market and family market.The 49 hectare resort will play host to Southeast Asia's only Universal Studios, in addition to six premium hotels, an oceanarium that includes a water theme park, and a maritime museum. The resort is currently in the process of being developed and will be officially opened in early 2010. The resort is looking to target 15 million visitors, out of which six million will be foreigners.

Victoria Travels launches its MICE arm

Kolkata-based Victoria Travels has launched a separate division - VISCON (Victoria Incentive Seminar & Conferences) - to cater to the MICE segment. Devesh Kumar Agarwal, its MD, said, that Victoria Travels has made its foray into inbound, outbound, MICE, and theme tourism. Sunaina Chatterjee, its VP (MICE), said, "Two big convention centers are coming up in Kolkata. This will certainly increase the scope of MICE tourism in the state." The company plans to have a pan-India presence and will open its office in Mumbai soon.