TBM Staff - Mumbai Mumbai-based Ark Travel Group hosted the fifth edition of its cruising event, ‘Big Bang Nautical Fiesta’ after a gap of three years due to the pandemic. This time the event was organised onboard Genting Dream, in its new avatar as the flagship vessel of Resorts World Cruises. For this edition, Ark Travel Group brought together 350 travel agents.
Commenting on this, Kishan Biyani, MD, Ark Travel Group, said, “We had concentrated mostly on agents from Tier-II and III cities along with some new ones as we see a lot of potential in business from those areas. Since the ship was rebranded and there was a gap of over two years, for any exposure to the vessel and cruising, it was appropriate to showcase the ship and reassure the agent fraternity of our commitment along with that of Resorts World to the Indian market and our travel trade partners.”
Talking about the importance of the Indian market, Michael Goh, President, Resorts World Cruises, said, “We are excited about our return and sailing in the Asian waters. Asia is the home base for Resorts World Cruises and within the region, India is key source market for us. We are excited to explore opportunities in this market and connecting with travel professionals.”
Naresh Rawal, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Resorts World Cruises, said, “Our association with the Ark Travel Group goes a long was and the team has always been very supportive and always think out-of-the-box to create experiences for their guests and travel partners. The objective is always learning while enjoying.”
Elaborating on the same, Rawal said, “During this event onboard, events were created like foam parties, glow in the dark party, white theme and the gala dinner. Besides the parties, there was a very interactive business session too and we are happy to say that all our travel partners participated and we hope that they have taken back ideas which will generate revenue streams for all of us. Marketing videos were also created by the Ark team to target all the segments to come onboard and create memories of a lifetime. Resorts World Cruises and the Ark Travel Group stand committed to work together to create business solutions for our travel partners and grow the cruising market from India and beyond.”
Shedding light on the importance of the event, Biyani said that it is a kind of fresh beginning for cruise industry after the pandemic. The agent fraternity was already familiar with FIT and MIICE facilities on board. “We created events to show case how we can enhance the scope of target audience and add value for our clients by customising events which can keep different segments engaged. The agent should be able to target weddings segment/kitty party groups/Women groups/Bachelorett. They were encouraged to think out of the box and we are committed to support a variety of innovative events on board.”
Ark Travel Group wanted agents to see for themselves the facilities and servies available onboard Genting Dream and the various event opportunities that can be curated for their clients. Biyani said, “Seeing is Believing” they say. This event on board has re-established agents’ faith in the product ‘Resorts World Cruises’ as well as their preferred partner Ark Travels. It regained their confidence in both the brands and I am looking at reaping the results in the near future.”
