Page 15 - TBM_October_2024

DESTINATION FOCUS
TRAVELBIZ MONITOR OCTOBER, 2024 15
n

4,000 rooms by next year, which is sufficient
for Bintan Resorts to establish itself as an
international destination,” Wahab pointed out.
Additionally, construction has begun on
an international airport, “The airport is set to
become operational by 2027,” Wahab revealed.
It is believed that the collaboration
between VFS Global and Bintan Resorts will
yield positive results. In the past, the Bintan
Resorts team participated in Singapore
Tourism Board’s tourism roadshows and will
continue working closely with the Board.
Wahab mentioned that VFS Global not only
has extensive reach and expertise in India,
GB Srithar Abdul Wahab but its tourism division is now led by Srithar,
Head of Tourism Services COO a seasoned professional who has spent over
VFS Global Bintan Resorts a decade promoting Singapore in India. “GB
Srithar’s knowledge and expertise regarding
a delightful range of food and relaxation Bintan Island Infrastructure Development the Indian market will be invaluable in
activities, the Indian audiences will enjoy their Abdul Wahab, Chief Operating Officer, Bintan achieving positive visitor-ship growth results,”
visit and re-visits,” stated GB Srithar, Head of Resorts, outlined their immediate plans for said an expert, speaking on the condition of
Tourism Services at VFS Global. “We will work the Indian market, which include working anonymity.
closely with our travel trade partners in India closely with VFS Global to organise roadshows Another significant development that
to bring the island’s offerings to their clients. in key cities across the country and launch could attract more tourists to Bintan Resorts
Our strategy will include targeting travellers trade engagement efforts. “We will soon invite is the issue of overtourism in some popular
from secondary cities.” He also mentioned Indian travel agents for a familiarization trip,” destinations frequented by the Indian
that, based on his 13+ years of experience he announced. travellers. Some destinations aim to manage
with the Indian travel and tourism market, he Wahab noted that Bintan alone might not the growing number of tourists and safeguard
has observed a growing demand for outbound be an attractive destination for Indian tourists, their natural beauty, cultural heritage and
travel from secondary cities with a good so they have paired it with Singapore. “Bintan residents’ need for their own space, which are
propensity to spend on experiences. and Singapore are already recognised as a currently under threat from increased tourism.
In 2023, 1.08 million Indians visited twin destination holiday,” he explained. He If everything goes as planned, Bintan
Singapore. Moving forward, VFS Global and also mentioned that their focus will be on Resorts is poised to become one of the most
Bintan Resorts aim to significantly increase both family vacations and the MICE segment. popular destinations for Indian tourists
the number of tourists travelling to the island. “We’ve already hosted several meetings for in Southeast Asia in the coming years.
To realise this vision, it is crucial to share pharmaceutical companies from Ahmedabad The strategic marketing initiatives and
relevant information with the travel trade, and aim to continue this,” Wahab added. partnerships aimed at raising awareness will
embark on meaningful consumer outreach Regarding infrastructure, Wahab stated further enhance its appeal. As more Indians
efforts and marketing collaborations. “In that it is not an issue since Bintan Resorts seek new and exciting travel experiences,
the coming years, we are optimistic about is managed by a single company. Currently, Bintan Resorts is ready to welcome them with
achieving a double-digit percentage of visitors the destination has 2,800 hotel rooms, with their distinctive Indonesian hospitality and
to Singapore spending a few nights in Bintan an additional 1,200 rooms expected by the unique island charms.
Resorts,” Srithar stated emphatically. end of the year. “This will bring the total to prasenjit.chakraborty@saffronsynergies.in

WWW.TRAVELBIZMONITOR.COM