Tag Archives: Roadshow

Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority targets leisure, MICE, weddings segments in India through its four-city roadshow

Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority(BTEA) successfully conducted its first four-city roadshow in the cities of Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and Delhi on September 12th, 13th 15th and 16th respectively.

The four-city roadshow witnessed the participation from hospitality, travel, and tourism companies from Bahrain. The aim was to reconnect and build new connections with the Indian travel agents. The event was attended by 400 plus agents across the four cities.

Speaking on this, Maryam Toorani, Director of Marketing and Promotion at BTEA said, “The purpose of the roadshow is to strengthen travel trade relationships in order to increase visitor arrivals from India to our beautiful Kingdom of Bahrain. India is one of the most important source markets for Bahrain and as such the Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority is confident that this initiative will further enable and enhance an expansion in the Indian Market”

The prime focus has been placed on achieving a notable number of visitors in the coming few years from varied segments such as leisure, MICE, and weddings.

The event began with the trade having one on one B2B meetings with the stakeholders. Following that the travel trade community was educated through a presentation on Bahrain as a destination for Indian travelers. The presentation highlighted that the country has something to offer to every type of traveler from millennials to young couples, from honeymooners to business travelers. The roadshow gave a chance to highlight that Bahrain is the perfect holiday destination for Indian travelers with the convenient e-Visa process and the multiple direct flights which take you to Bahrain in less than 4 hours. Bahrain as a destination has a variety of offerings for its travelers from beautiful beaches, adventure activities, luxurious accommodation options, pearl diving, heritage, culture, and food. The destination is also home to the world-famous Formula one race.

At this event, the #friendsofBahrain concept was introduced to the audience present. The concept behind this hashtag is that anyone who is associated with the destination, promotes it is a friend of Bahrain or as the Bahrain’s brand evangelists. The #friendsofBahrain hashtag will be used by the tourism board in all future communications, encouraging travelers, trade and influencers to use it to promote ours and yours one and only Bahrain!

Be it a fun-filled family getaway, active holidays, one-of-a-kind cultural experiences, opulent resorts, theme park, exotic islands, or world-class shopping excursions, Bahrain has something for everyone. Bahrain is a destination where travelers will feel like home and have a memorable vacation.

With upcoming Football World Cup in sight, Qatar Tourism conducts two-city India roadshow

Qatar Tourism conducted its first set of two-city roadshow in India since the pandemic. The events in Delhi and Mumbai were attended by participants from the Indian travel industry, including trade partners, associates, and travel affiliates. Around 120 travel industry companies from Delhi and Mumbai attended the event, which aimed to connect local travel agents with destination management companies, hotels, and attraction operators in Qatar.

The unique interactive platform with pre-scheduled meetings allowed Indian trade partners and travel agents to interact and learn more about the diverse product offerings and experiences that Qatar has to offer. The roadshow was well attended and received a positive response from both cities.

The roadshow intended to fortify and strengthen travel trade relationships to increase visitor arrivals from India. Qatar Tourism drew industry and visitor attention to the infrastructure, attractions, and amenities being built for the prestigious FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which Qatar will host in November/December this year.

The roadshow saw the presence of some distinguished partners from Qatar showcasing their product and services to industry specialists in India at large – hotels such as Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva Som, The Ritz-Carlton Doha, Waldorf Astoria Lusail Doha, Mondrian Doha, Mandarin Oriental Doha, Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas, Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara, The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa, Four Seasons Doha and Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel. DMCs such as Discover Qatar, Tawfeeq Holidays, Asfary, 365 Adventures by Peninsula Compass Tourism and Mannai Holidays. The primary participants with an emphasis on sports included event firms like Fanatic Sports and Cutting-Edge.

Berthold Trenkel, COO, Qatar Tourism, said, “India plays an integral role to achieve the sights Qatar Tourism has set for the 2030 strategy. India continues to be one of Qatar’s top markets, and we effectively engage with the travel trade on a regular basis through our agency partner who promote Qatar as a major travel destination, both as a hub and a final destination. Qatar Specialist Programme is a brand new and interactive online training module that we recently launched. The platform, which is available in 11 languages, is created to help travel trade partners better understand Qatar’s diverse product offerings while also providing them with relevant knowledge and a globally recognised qualification. We are eager to see the impact of the roadshow as well as the specialist programme, which will help bring to light the diverse facets of Qatar’s offerings. Our aim is to encourage all types of travellers to travel to Qatar, to discover and enjoy the country. We want people to experience our vibrant atmosphere while enjoying the best of Middle Eastern hospitality.”

Since India is a key market, Qatar Tourism is confident the success of the roadshows will further enable an expansion through the Indian outbound travel market. The prime focus has been placed on achieving a notable number of visitors beyond the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 from varied segments such as leisure, MICE, and weddings.

Commenting on the roadshow, Lubaina Sheerazi, CEO & Co-founder BRANDit, Qatar Tourism’s India Representative said, “Given that a large section of its population is eager to travel and explore new places around the world, India represents a significant and substantial market for Qatar. The roadshow gives us a chance to highlight Qatar’s distinctiveness as a destination for Indian travellers across segments. Whether they are looking for a fun-filled family getaway, active holidays, one-of-a-kind cultural experiences, opulent resorts, theme parks, exotic locations, or world-class shopping excursions, Qatar has something for everyone. Especially families with kids or teenagers of all ages; will be feeling welcome and safe in Qatar.”

Govt organises Incredible India virtual roadshow in Italy to explore new tourism opportunities

As India opens its borders post-pandemic, the Ministry of Tourism, the Government of India has been organizing a series of virtual roadshows in collaboration with Indian Missions abroad to reconnect and welcome back their partners in the international travel and tourism industry. The mission of this virtual roadshow is to re-discover old ties and explore new opportunities for the future.

The government has displayed India’s Diverse and Unique Tourism Products on 26th July 2022 with the Italy edition of Incredible India Reconnect 2022 virtual roadshow.

The session was started with opening remarks from Dr Neena Malhotra, Ambassador of India to Italy followed by remarks from G Kamala Vardhana Rao, Director General (Tourism), Ministry of Tourism, Antonio Barreca, Director General, Federation of Tourism Industry, Maria Elena ROSSI, Marketing & Promotion Director, ENIT – Italian National Tourist Board and Pierpaolo Di Nardo from Maldindia Tour Operators.

During the Incredible India Reconnect 2022 virtual roadshow, Dr Neena Malhotra highlighted the importance of tourism and travel interest efforts between India and Italy. She spoke at length about how Italy and India are fertile grounds for film and cultural tourism to thrive.

G Kamala Vardhana Rao, Director General (Tourism), Ministry of Tourism emphasised PM’s Slogan ‘Chalo India’ and invited 5 non – Indian friends to visit India. He said the Indian diaspora should talk about the diverse tourism offerings of India in their daily places of work and interaction. He also highlights India’s traditional culture, heritage, wildlife, and nature along with medical and wellness tourism and its popularity in Italy. Further, he says India is among the only countries in the world having a dedicated Ministry and action plan toward traditional knowledge systems.

This virtual roadshow was a positive sign of continuing efforts of the Ministry of Tourism to encourage bilateral tourism by recognising the issues, challenges, and opportunities between India and its top 20 source markets for a brighter future for Indian tourism. (Source FE)

Karnataka Tourism to organise multi-city roadshows to increase domestic footfalls

With an aim to increase domestic footfalls, Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka along with Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. shall organise multi city roadshows from May 2022 to November 2022 to promote Karnataka Tourism and Travel Industry. KSTDC has identified 19 cities across the country, which are the key source market for domestic arrivals. Guwahati, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nashik, Pune, Goa, Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Chennai, Vijayawada, Hyderabad & Nagpur are the few select cities for hosting the roadshows.

The first leg of these B2B roadshows are being organized in New Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur and Lucknow on May 17th , May 21st , May 23rd and May 25th respectively. This exclusive B2B Roadshow will have over 15 stakeholders from Karnataka interacting with more than 100 travel agent’s/tour operators of the respective cities. The main objective of Karnataka Tourism is to promote the State as a destination for Leisure, MICE, Adventure, Wildlife and Wedding Destination in the Indian market. KSTDC shall be the nodal agency to conduct the roadshows in various cities of India.

Commenting on this, G. Jagadeesha, Managing Director, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation said, “Karnataka with its diverse range of products is fast emerging as one of the most interesting and productive states for the travel-trade, both for leisure and business travel. Domestic Tourism being the backbone of the Tourism economy has a lot of potential which needs to be tapped. Post-pandemic, these Roadshow activities will be an excellent occasion for our stakeholders to renew contacts with the traveltrade across India.”

Tourism Malaysia organises first roadshow in India after border reopens

Malaysia has finally lifted sanctions on its border on 1st April 2022, marking the end of travelling restrictions into the country. Leveraging this new development, Tourism Malaysia has decided to embark on its first roadshow to six major cities in India from 18th until 30th April 2022, after more than two years of hiatus.

The roadshow kicks off in the city of Delhi, followed by Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Chennai. The mission is headed by Manoharan Periasamy, Senior Director of the International Promotion Division (Asia & Africa) together with Malaysia’s tourism fraternity which consists of three (3) Malaysia-based airlines, 22 travel agents, four (4) hoteliers, and four (4) product owners.

India remains and has been one of the top market sources for Malaysia and has contributed 735,309 arrivals (+22%) in 2019. Apart from its objective to instill confidence among Indians to feel safe to visit Malaysia once again, the roadshow aims to provide a platform for the industry community to bounce back and steer the tourism sector back to its former glory, if not better. “This is the right time to be back in India, and planning for this roadshow is very opportune. The resumption of scheduled international flights from India coincides with the reopening of Malaysia’s international borders,” said Manoharan.

“We are thrilled and enthusiastic to welcome Indian travellers back on exciting, new value-driven and action-packed itineraries to witness the best and latest of what Malaysia has to offer. There is so much to explore after two years, especially with the newly opened outdoor theme park, Genting SkyWorld, the refurbished Sunway Resort in Kuala Lumpur, and a magnificent new attraction, the Merdeka 118, the world’s second tallest building. I am sure these new attractions along with our beautiful beaches, exhilarating mountains and jungles with a plethora of activities will make your trip a memorable one,” he added.

Since the reopening of its borders, India is on the top four arrivals to Malaysia. Malaysia has opened its shores for quarantine-free travel on 1st April 2022 to welcome fully-vaccinated international travellers. The entry procedure requires an RT-PCR test two days before departure and travellers must undergo professionally administered RTK-Ag within 24 hours upon arrival in Malaysia. Currently, Malaysia eVISA can be applied online and more than 14,000 seats are offered weekly between India and Malaysia through Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Air, AirAsia, IndiGo, and Air India Express.

SAT’s maiden virtual roadshow in India aims to boost tourism economies of both the countries

South African Tourism (SAT) held their maiden virtual roadshow in India to capitalize on the strong consumer and corporate traveller demand in the country. The ‘VirtuallyYoursSouthAfrica’ roadshow is expected to boost tourism economies in both nations, especially as the South African national tourism board focuses on bullishly driving strategic recovery measures in India.

According to the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan put together by the tourism board earlier this year, key focus areas remain re-igniting demand, protecting & rejuvenating supply and strengthening capacity. The recently concluded roadshow in India is the first of many efforts to reignite international travel demand, in order to meet a global target of 2.6 million visitors in FY21-22.

99 South African suppliers were part of the trade delegation who exhibited their products and services in India from 20th to 22nd October 2021. They reiterated the tourism board’s emphasis on diversifying geographies and expanding product range for the India market. Of the 99 suppliers, over 41 were exhibiting in India for the first time and 12 were women-owned enterprises.

Commenting on India market, Neliswa Nkani, Hub Head – MEISEA, South African Tourism, said, “India is a high potential source market for us, at South African Tourism. In fact, the market has been recognized as one of our key international focus markets, along with China and Nigeria. While India has traditionally been a multigenerational, family source market, we see huge opportunity to leverage the destination amongst millennials as well. They are looking for an adventure and with 3000+ adventure activities, South Africa is known to provide one at every turn! We hope to welcome more and more Indian travellers to have safe, sustainable and memorable holidays, as well as a taste of our warm hospitality and local culture.”

Commenting on the Roadshow, she said, “I am thrilled at the response we received at our maiden virtual roadshow – I believe that the partnerships forged here will be instrumental in setting the tone as we direct efforts towards travel recovery in India. I am grateful to all those who participated from the trade fraternities in India and South Africa – you are our pillar of support and motivate us to drive excellence.”

In line with their evolved recovery plan, South African Tourism India has identified certain key focus areas for the forthcoming year. These include aggressively promoting their new regions, building on the destination’s position as the adventure capital of the world, providing increased value for money itineraries and catering to niche traveller segments like runners, bikers, sports enthusiasts etc. The tourism board is also hoping to welcome a large number of Indian cricket fans into the destination during India’s Test tour of South Africa in December 2021.

Sharing further plans, Ms. Sthembiso Dlamini, Acting CEO & COO at South African Tourism stated, “We understand that easy accessibility is a key consideration when planning travel. With that in mind, we want to assure Indian travellers, corporates and our trade partners that we are actively pursuing opportunities to initiate direct flights from India to South Africa. We also intend to make good on our promise to roll-out e-visas for the India market very soon.”