Author Archives: Prasenjit Chakraborty - Mumbai

Aoyama Tomonori, Director General for Tourism & MICE Promotion at Sapporo City

We are quite optimistic about the Indian market: Director General of Tourism, Sapporo City

Global Destinations has partnered with Sapporo City and All Nippon Airways (ANA) to promote Sapporo, Hokkaido, as a top choice for Indian tourists. This comes amid rising interest in Japan among Indian travellers.

Renowned for its natural beauty, culture, and snow, Sapporo offers attractions like snow festivals, gourmet cuisine, and scenic landscapes. The collaboration aims to showcase the city’s unique experiences to Indian visitors.

In this direction, Global Destinations recently hosted an event in Mumbai, attended by prominent travel agents, to promote Sapporo City.
Speaking to TravelBiz Monitor on the sidelines of the event, Aoyama Tomonori, Director General for Tourism & MICE Promotion at Sapporo City, highlighted the Indian market’s potential, expressing optimism about its growth. He emphasised that Sapporo offers a unique experience where travellers can enjoy cherry blossoms and snow simultaneously, a feature not widely known among Indian tourists.

When asked about the right time to visit Sapporo, he said that it’s a year-round destination. As of now their target segments are MICE and Family. He also mentioned that a flight departs from Tokyo to Sapporo City every 30 minutes, with a flying time of just 90 minutes.
Last year, Sapporo welcomed 6,400 Indian tourists, a number expected to rise significantly. Tomonori credited the partnership with Global Destinations for strengthening connections with the Indian travel trade, and promoting Sapporo in key cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

Pranav Kapadia, Founder and Director of Global Destinations, described Sapporo as a “hidden gem” that they are excited to showcase to Indian travellers. “Our focus is on engaging travel agents already selling Japan who are seeking new options within the country, as well as those specializing in long-haul destinations who may not have explored Japan as a market yet,” he explained.

Additionally, an upcoming big-budget Bollywood movie by Aamir Khan Productions is expected to boost Sapporo’s appeal among Indian tourists.

TAFI heads to Vietnam from January 17 to 20 for 2025 Convention

The Travel Agents Federation (TAFI) has selected Vietnam as the host destination for its 2025 Convention. The Ninh Binh Province will see congregation of Indian travel trade for this showcase.

Brimming with excitement, TAFI President Ajay Prakash is happy to offer the association members an opportunity to explore a newer Asian destination from January 17 to 20.

Talking to TravelBiz Monitor, Prakash stated that the convention will be a three-night event (January 17–19) with the theme Tourism for Tomorrow: Protecting the Planet. He mentioned that Vietnam is one of the countries that appear to be serious about sustainable tourism. “The Ninh Binh Province is just a 2.5-hour drive from Hanoi Aairport,” Prakash said.

Speaking about the Ninh Binh Province, he noted that it is a lesser-known destination for Indians but has significant potential in terms of tourism. “TAFI always prefers to organise its conventions in lesser-known destinations with considerable growth potential. This time, we have followed the same principle,” Prakash pointed out.

Prakash emphasised that TAFI is offering its delegates only a three-night convention. “We are not booking flights for them or arranging pre- or post-familiarisation tours,” he said. He added that all their delegates are from the travel industry and are well-versed in booking tickets and handling visa processes.

“TAFI will focus on the three-night convention and its content, ensuring that the event is flawlessly organised. We will pick up delegates from Hanoi airport and drop them back after the convention,” Prakash revealed. He further mentioned that TAFI would stop registrations once 400 people have signed up. “We can accommodate a maximum of 450 people, but no more than that,” he said.

He also confirmed that the media would be part of the convention.

Intrepid Travel India Hires 15 Female Tour Leaders, Achieving 40% Female Representation

Intrepid Travel, a global leader in adventure travel, has announced the hiring of 15 female tour leaders in India this year, bringing its female representation in the country to 40%, with 32 women leaders. This initiative aligns with Intrepid India’s mission to promote workforce diversity, empower women in the travel industry, and advance gender equality.

Female tour leaders provide unique perspectives and enrich cultural exchanges between travellers and local communities. Headquartered in Australia, Intrepid Travel offers sustainable, immersive experiences across all seven continents. With India’s adventure tourism market projected to surpass $2 billion by 2028, the country is emerging as a key destination for travellers from regions like Australia, the USA, Europe, and beyond.

The female leaders at Intrepid Travel India come from various regions of India, including Rajasthan, Uttarakhand (Haldwani, Dehradun), Delhi/NCR, Assam (Guwahati), Nagaland, Karnataka (Mangalore), Maharashtra (Mumbai), Darjeeling, Tamil Nadu (Madurai), and Kerala (Alleppey). The basic requirements for becoming a tour leader at Intrepid are a graduate degree and a minimum age of 25. They should also be amiable and pleasant.

Speaking about the hirings, Rama Mahendru, Country General Manager-India, Intrepid Travel, said, ‘Female tour leaders serve as role models, inspiring other women to pursue careers in the travel and tourism industries. A balanced team of male and female leaders improves customer service and caters to a broader range of client needs. Having female tour leaders can make female travellers feel more comfortable and secure, encouraging more women to travel. Also, we want to bring out the importance of inclusivity in the workforce. We would love to make the rate of 50:50 female and male by 2025.”

Intrepid Travel India set a goal this year to have 40% female leaders and 60% male leaders and succeeded in doing so. The company’s goal is to have 50-50 gender parity among tour leaders by 2025, reflecting the company’s commitment to gender equality and creating more opportunities for women in the travel industry.

Schilthorn Cableway eyes growth in India with world’s steepest cableway

Switzerland-based Schilthorn Cableway Ltd, which operates Schilthorn Piz Gloria, is very optimistic about the Indian market, as India is experiencing a rising middle class and an increase in disposable income. “India has become a very important market for us,” said Alan Ramsay, Head of Markets at Schilthorn Cableway Ltd, during a recent visit to Mumbai while speaking with TravelBiz Monitor.

Schilthorn Piz Gloria is a stunning mountain peak in the Bernese Alps of Switzerland, renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views and its iconic revolving restaurant. Located in the Bernese Oberland, it stands approximately 2,970 meters (9,740 feet) above sea level. Notably, Piz Gloria is famously associated with James Bond due to its role as a filming location for the 1969 movie “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.”
Visitors can reach the summit via a series of cable cars from the valley station in Stechelberg. “It takes 32 minutes to reach Schilthorn Piz Gloria. On the way, tourists must change cable cars at Gimmelwald, Mürren, Birg, and finally at Schilthorn. The 32 minutes includes the changes from one cable car to another,” said Ramsay.

Ramsay also mentioned that at the top of the mountain, there is an interactive multimedia exhibition called Spy World. “We have a cinema that shows clips from different seasons, as we experience various seasons here. Additionally, we have a Walk of Fame where the stars from the film have left their handprints. Not only that, but we also have a viewing lounge at the summit,” he explained.
He pointed out that Schilthorn Cableway is the only company that takes tourists to the very top of the mountain. “The summit building is located at the peak itself, which is unusual. Most other cableways take tourists close to the top, but not actually to the summit,” Ramsay noted.

Reflecting on his own experiences, he shared, “I visited the village of Mürren one winter season, and I ended up staying for 35 years. Every time I take a cable car to the top, the view is always different and never looks the same. Standing on the peak with a 360-degree view is fantastic. I still love it.”

He mentioned that they are constructing a brand-new cable car that will connect the valley floor directly to Mürren, and from Mürren to Birg, and finally to Schilthorn. “With this, there will be only two changes instead of three. There will also be only three sections instead of four, which will further reduce the time needed to reach Schilthorn,” pointed out Ramsay.

According to him, the cable car from Stechelberg (the valley floor) to Mürren will be the steepest in the world. “It will open on December 14 of this year, and the steepest cable car ride will be free of charge with a Swiss Travel Pass,” Ramsay revealed. Their Winter Sports event had already started on September 28 and will continue until April 2025. The entire project is expected to be completed by 2026. “Hopefully, we will open it on Swiss National Day, which falls on August 1,” he added.

Discussing their target audience in India, he stated that they are focusing on people who have already visited Switzerland, which means they are aiming for repeat customers. “Our priority cities are Mumbai and Delhi to start with. However, travellers from Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad are also showing interest in our product,” said Ramsay.

Bintan Resorts: A Serene Getaway for Indian Tourists Amid Overtourism Challenges

VFS Global has partnered with Bintan Resorts to boost its presence in the Indian market. Located less than an hour by ferry from Singapore, the Indonesian island of Bintan has the potential to become a sought-after destination for Indian travellers seeking for a peaceful escape from overtourism.

Prasenjit Chakraborty/Indonesia

Incredible, Impressive, and Inconceivable are three words that aptly describe Bintan Resorts. Although situated in the Riau Archipelago of Indonesia, it is just a 55-minute ferry ride from Singapore. This proximity makes Singapore a favoured getaway for Indian travellers wishing to visit Bintan Resorts. To attract more tourists from the Indian market, VFS Global recently entered into a partnership with Bintan Resorts, Indonesia. To enter Bintan, travellers need a multiple-entry visa for Singapore. Once they arrive in Bintan, they will receive a visa on arrival.
Bintan Resorts is a stunning destination with pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush landscapes. It features luxurious accommodations and a variety of activities, including water sports and cultural experiences. This blend of natural beauty, exclusivity, and convenience all set to make it a popular destination for Indian travellers in the months to come.

The Bintan Resorts occupies an exclusive space within the island, offering a modern escape set within nature, combining serenity and calmness with a unique advantage- zero traffic. In contrast to the traffic congestion common in Indian cities, Bintan Resorts provides a hassle-free experience, allowing travel from one point to another in just 15-20 minutes. Low or no traffic within the resorts facilities is due to its separation from Tanjung Pinang, the capital of the Riau Islands, where most locals live. Only those working in the Bintan Resorts reside in designated areas, ensuring travellers feel freedom of movement and vast spaces. This aspect is especially appealing when choosing a destination in the post-COVID era. To be candid, the destination is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with themselves. Its tranquil atmosphere is also ideal for bonding with family, friends, and colleagues.

In a competitive market where, other destinations are aggressively promoting their offerings, VFS Global and Bintan Resorts need a strategic and tailored approach to effectively promote Bintan. To achieve this, it’s crucial to build substantial market awareness among travel partners. Going forward, they have to ensure that travel agents and trade partners are well-informed about what Bintan offers to Indian travellers.
In recent years, worldwide many known destinations have suffered from their own success. With the surge in tourism, overcrowding has become a significant problem, diminishing the charm of once-pristine locations. However, adventurous travellers need not worry. There are many lesser-known destinations are waiting to be explored, offering unique experiences far from the tourist crowds. And Bintan Resorts is certainly one of them!

Visitors to Bintan Resorts will discover a unique experience that few destinations can match. The key distinguishing feature? The unparalleled peace and tranquillity that make this destination truly special.

Target Audiences and Cities in India

VFS Global and Bintan Resorts will focus on the family, young travellers, MICE and wedding segments within the Indian market. From a MICE destination perspective, corporates could pair Bintan with Singapore in their offerings, allocating perhaps two nights to each destination.

It is important to note that Bintan Resorts is being reintroduced to the Indian market. The Tourism Service Unit within the VFS Global will promote the destination across India, not just in metro cities. Singapore has direct connections from above 15 cities in India, and the audiences from these gateways will naturally be of priority to engage with.

“Bintan Resorts offer the Indian audiences a diverse range of experiences in a tranquil, bountiful nature and beautiful setting. From beaches to forests, idyllic resorts to a delightful range of food and relaxation activities, the Indian audiences will enjoy their visit and re-visits,” stated GB Srithar, Head of Tourism Services at VFS Global. “We will work closely with our travel trade partners in India to bring the island’s offerings to their clients. Our strategy will include targeting travellers from secondary cities.” He also mentioned that, based on his 13+ years of experience with the Indian travel and tourism market, he has observed a growing demand for outbound travel from secondary cities with a good propensity to spend on experiences.

In 2023, 1.08 million Indians visited Singapore. Moving forward, VFS Global and Bintan Resorts aim to significantly increase the number of tourists travelling to the island. To realise this vision, it is crucial to share relevant information with the travel trade, embark on meaningful consumer outreach efforts and marketing collaborations. “In the coming years, we are optimistic about achieving a double-digit percentage of visitors to Singapore spending a few nights in Bintan Resorts,” Srithar stated emphatically.

Bintan Island Infrastructure Development

Abdul Wahab, Chief Operating Officer, Bintan Resorts, outlined their immediate plans for the Indian market, which include working closely with VFS Global to organise roadshows in key cities across the country and launch trade engagement efforts. “We will soon invite Indian travel agents for a familiarization trip,” he announced.

Wahab noted that Bintan alone might not be an attractive destination for Indian tourists, so they have paired it with Singapore. “Bintan and Singapore are already recognised as a twin destination holiday,” he explained. He also mentioned that their focus will be on both family vacations and the MICE segment. “We’ve already hosted several meetings for pharmaceutical companies from Ahmedabad and aim to continue this,” Wahab added.

Regarding infrastructure, Wahab stated that it is not an issue since Bintan Resorts is managed by a single company. Currently, the destination has 2,800 hotel rooms, with an additional 1,200 rooms expected by the end of the year. “This will bring the total to 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, but its tourism division is now led by Srithar, a seasoned professional who has spent over a decade promoting Singapore in India. “GB Srithar’s knowledge and expertise regarding the Indian market will be invaluable in achieving positive visitor-ship growth results,” said an expert, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

Another significant development that could attract more tourists to Bintan Resorts is the issue of overtourism in some popular destinations frequented by the Indian travellers. Some destinations aim to manage the growing number of tourists and safeguard their natural beauty, cultural heritage and residents’ need for their own space, which are currently under threat from increased tourism.

If everything goes as planned, Bintan Resorts is poised to become one of the most popular destinations for Indian tourists in Southeast Asia in the coming years. The strategic marketing initiatives and partnerships aimed at raising awareness will further enhance its appeal. As more Indians seek new and exciting travel experiences, Bintan Resorts is ready to welcome them with their distinctive Indonesian hospitality and unique island charms.

 

Sunil Kumar returns as TAAI President

At the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) national elections held today in Mumbai at ITC Maratha, Sunil Kumar has been elected as President for the 2024-26 term, with Lokesh Bettaiah joining him as Vice President.

Kumar secured 306 votes to win the elections.

Shreeram Patel will now be the Honorary Secretary, and Paras Lakhia has been named as Honorary Treasurer.

The other two contenders for the President’s post were former President, Jyoti Mayal (177  votes) and Harmandeep Singh Anand (286 votes).

The newly-elected Managing Committee members are P Lalith Kumar Jain, Hema RV Chander, Sameer Karnani, Rajan Sehgal, Manav Soni, Gopal Unadkat and Amish Desai.

The elections for the national office-bearers and Managing Committee was held after concluding the 73rd AGM of the oldest and largest association of the travel agent fraternity in India.

Speaking exclusively to TravelBiz Monitor, Sunil Kumar, the newly elected President, stated that his priority will be a “member-first” approach. “All our programmes will focus on members, and we will begin identifying challenges that we can overcome together,” he said. “I have a very good team, and we will work collaboratively.”

Kumar expressed his gratitude to members from across the country for their confidence in him. “Though I am returning after five years, I will strive to continue the goodwill that was established earlier. The members believe that I can bring the changes they anticipate.”

When discussing the biggest challenge in the industry, Kumar emphasised the need to ensure that the growth of the tourism industry is directly proportional to the growth of individual travel companies. “I assure you that we, as a team, will be visible in the industry through our actions,” he added.