“Come Closer” tourism book now available in e-version

“When Anita Mendiratta speaks about tourism, CEOs and tourism ministers listen,” said Richard Quest, CNN International.

“When Anita Mendiratta speaks about tourism, CEOs and tourism ministers listen,” said Richard Quest, CNN International.

In direct response to requests from the academic community and e-reader consumers worldwide, “Come Closer: How Tourism is Shaping the Future of Nations,” authored by international tourism sector consultant, Anita Mendiratta, which was first published in hardcover in 2011 and quickly earned global accolades, including a nomination for 2011 Financial Times Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year Award, is now available worldwide in e-book version.

The e-version of “Come Closer” includes three additional chapters, providing further invaluable strategic and practical direction to tourism business and government leaders in today’s times of dramatic change economically, politically, and socially.

2012, a year in which 1 billion travelers will cross international borders, also marks the 10th anniversary of Mendiratta’s strategic consulting business, Cachet Consulting. At the helm, Mendiratta acts as an advisor to tourism ministries and corporations across the world.

Hannah Messerli, Private Sector Development/Tourism of the Africa Region for The World Bank Group, describes Anita Mendiratta as someone who “tackles the richness and complexity of tourism simply – but not simplistically.” Messerli goes on to say “Mendiratta captures both the essence and the opportunities of tourism in a readable, yet thought-provoking manner relevant to business operators and government decision makers alike. ‘Come Closer,’ in its multi-dimensional and engaging approach, compels readers to think differently and gain strategic insights crucial for moving the travel and tourism sector forward.”

The first edition of “Come Closer” fast became a trusted reference book for tourism thought leaders soon after release, covering topics from the role of government, diplomacy, and tourism investment to destination branding, media, tourism safety, and green tourism. The book incorporated contributions from various leaders in tourism, such as the UNWTO, the WTTC, The Travel Corporation, CNN International, and a number of international tourism boards and marketing authorities.

Directed at tourism business and government leaders, Come Closer is now part of New York University’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies required course reading for the graduate school. As expressed by Edward Bergman and Sharon Roling, Co-lecturers of the class, Emerging Issues in International Tourism, at New York University School of Professional and Continuing Studies: “With a combination of insights on how to build an effective global tourism strategy, a gift for telling stories on how tourism directly changes lives, and practical recommendations for seasoned and young professionals to lead the change, Anita Mendiratta has given us an invaluable handbook on global tourism.”

The updated and extended “Come Closer” with the additional three chapters will be available in e-version from August 1, 2012 from:

-Kindle at http://www.amazon.com/
-Apple iBookstore for iPad
-Nook at http://www.barnesandnoble.com
-Sony Reader at http://ebookstore.sony.com/reader/

Retail price starts at US$15

“Come Closer” is also available in original release hard copy at www.amazon.com .

For more information on “Come Closer” and author Anita Mendiratta, please visit www.anitamendiratta.com .

ABOUT ANITA MENDIRATTA

Mendiratta has established herself as a valued advisor to governments, especially in times of crisis when tourism industry recovery and sustainability is so vital to tourism economy impact. Born in Canada, and with professional experience on all continents, Anita began her career with leadership positions in a number of Fortune 500 companies that include IBM, Unilever, and The Coca-Cola Company. With the creation of her own global consultancy, Cachet Consulting, ten years ago, Anita narrowed her focus to tourism and economic development. Mendiratta now works with various governments and clients in the private sector, molding strategic and creative solutions for sustainable, meaningful nation building through tourism sector development. She has become a trusted and respected advisor to tourism’s leaders in both the public and private sectors, providing critical direction and inspiration in destination development, recovery, and competitiveness. She also shares knowledge and expertise across the world through speaking engagements at summits and conferences, publishing, and participating in panels at senior government levels.

Anita also holds the position of lead consultant on the CNN T.A.S.K. (Tourism Advertising Solutions and Knowledge) Group – a team of independent tourism professionals dedicated to supporting CNN’s international tourism clients across the globe in their strategy and communication efforts critical for tourism destination and/or business development.

Speaking to Anita, one is not only captured by her charm, but also by her passion and understanding of the tourism industry across borders, cultures, economies, and continents. As described by Taleb Rifai, the Secretary General of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), “Anita’s ability to convey the importance of tourism in terms of its economic value comes second only to her capacity to reveal the very human side of tourism.” It is not surprising that Anita is now invited to speak at various conferences and summits across the world, connecting from one airport to the next to connect tourism ideas and opportunities for tourism nations and businesses. As a result Anita spends only 30 percent of the year in the city she now calls home, Cape Town.

About the author

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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