IITB Daily Day 2 2014

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IITB 2014: A fillip to inbound tourism With 247 foreign buyers from 54 countries, 246 Indian sellers, 9,256 pre-scheduled B2B meetings and on-the-spot meetings expected to go up to 800, the first edition of the Incredible India Travel Bazaar (IITB-2014) provides the perfect platform for furthering the cause of Indian inbound tourism.

PEDEN DOMA BHUTIA he first edition of the Incredible India Travel Bazaar started with a bang on April 8 at The Ashok, New Delhi. Organised jointly by the Ministry of Tourism (MOT), Government of India (GoI), India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the mart was attended by 247 foreign buyers from 54 countries, as well as 246 Indian

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sellers. With 9,256 pre-scheduled B2B meetings and the onthe-spot meetings expected to go up to 800, the total meetings at the IITB would go up to 10,000 plus.

Addressing the crowd at the inaugural session, Parvez Dewan, Secretary, MOT, wished the foreign buyers success at the mart and urged them to stay back in India after the mart and use the time and opportunity to experience the Indian products. “I want every-

The foreign buyers should go back with a conviction about the summer destinations in our country. India is not just Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. I want you to go back from India with an idea of the diverse tourism products that India has to offer.

Parvez Dewan Secretary, MOT

one to go back with some insight into India. I want them to go back saying India is not just November-March, but that it is (for) all 12 months,” he said.

Delivering the inaugural address, Joytsna Suri, Senior Vice-President, FICCI, said, “The name of the mart may have changed, but the fervour and flavour are the same. IITB continues to remain exclusively focussed on inbound tourism.” Suri also Contd. on page 10

MOT’s support has played a mega role in tourism promotion and development in India. FICCI conceptualised the only exclusive inbound show in India, which gave birth to the first Great India Travel Bazaar held in Jaipur in 2008.

(L-R) Jyotsna Suri, Parvez Dewan, Girish Shankar and Usha Sharma at the inauguration of the IITB-2014 at The Ashok in New Delhi

We realise Tour Operators are the key people for promoting destinations and tourism anywhere and organising such a travel bazaar provides an ideal platform for fruitful business dealings and discussions so that tourism can grow further.

The VoA regime has been further liberalised. MOT will also provide more information on various services to tourists and will set up a tourism infoline in 12 languages, which we hope to launch in 6 months.

Jyotsna Suri

Girish Shankar

Usha Sharma

Sr Vice President FICCI

Addl Secretary MOT

Addl DG MOT

OPINIONS

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IITB providing a perfect tourism platform On the sidelines of the Incredible India Travel Bazaar (IITB), held at The Ashok, New Delhi, speaks to travel agents, hoteliers and industry stalwarts on their thoughts about the show, current scenario in inbound tourism and their opinion on the many initiatives of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The excerpts are as below: The VOA initiative is brilliant, suddenly India is becoming an easy country to travel to. I think it will take a year or a year-and-a-half to streamline the whole thing, but looking at the long term view, VoA is the best thing that could have happened. I think e-visa is the next step forward and if the government can put the e-visa facility in place, then it will be a very easy option to travel to India.

Akshay Kumar President, ATOAI & CEO, Mercury Himalayan Explorations

IITB (formerly GITB) over the last few years has developed into the number one B2B show in India. It's also a show that brings 250 new buyers each time. This year, we made a special effort with the buyers' committee, which comprises hotels, DMCs and governments, where we were able to bring people from different geographies to the show.

So, we made sure that there was no tilt to just one continent, we could represent many and have buyers from all continents come in. This is a great mix for sellers. At the end of the day a travel show is only as good as its buyers.

Dipak Deva Co-Chairman Tourism Committee of FICCI and CEO, Destination Management India & South Asia, Kuoni Destination Management

IITB Day Two Schedule 10:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Buyer – Seller prescheduled B2B meetings 2:00 – 5:40 p.m.

Buyer – Seller prescheduled B2B meetings

5:40 – 7:00 p.m.

Mandatory submission of the completed Day 2 B2B meeting forms and feedback forms by the foreign buyers and Indian sellers at the B2B counter.

Refund of USD 300 to foreign buyers

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OPINIONS

Do we need more shows like IITB? One good event should suffice. These kinds of exhibition definitely serve the need of tourism stakeholders as well as serves as a platform to showcase tourism offerings available in India.

Subhash Verma Immediate Past President ADTOI

This exhibition has been organised very well. We found the appointments to be quite productive. We are expecting to meet new travel and tourism companies, besides traditional companies as buyers also want to explore new destinations.

Kiran Joti Executive Director, Indian Routes

The role of tourism as a major economic driver and employment generator is widely known. We should work with all stakeholders to put tourism in the centre of our public policy.

Abraham George President Kerala Travel Mart Society

India is still attracting good number of inbound tourists which is a positive sign. This event offers Indian sellers a great opportunity to showcase their products to international buyers and to work closely with them.

Amit Prasad COO Go India Journeys

This is a great platform to get new buyers to India.

The beauty of this show is that the buyers visiting the show have been picked by the industry itself.

Hemant Mendiratta Vice President – Sales (Travel Trade) Oberoi Hotels

It is unfortunate that Rajasthan Tourism is not supporting the show after the sixth Great India Travel Bazaar (GITB) edition last year. This is a stop-gap arrangement. The show in Jaipur was much better.

Bhim Singh MD Rajasthan Tours

It is good that the show has moved to Delhi. The Ministry of Tourism, along with FICCI and IGTA, is preparing to host the first ever Incredible India Golf Tourism Summit (IIGTS), from October 8-10, 2014 in Delhi.

Rajan Sehgal President India Golf Tourism Association (IGTA)

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OPINIONS

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Providing opportunities for the industry The VoA is expected to boost inbound tourism. This, in turn, is expected to boost heritage tourism as foreigners look for indigenous local experiences. In fact, BJP has talked about opening of 50 new circuits. Thus, the elections this time will also be a game changer.

Sunil Sikka Head - Marketing & Business Development at ITC WelcomHeritage Hotels

The VoA facility will appeal to global participants who have come to attend IITB. FICCI has been recommending steps to promote inbound tourism. It is a much-needed event and will help promoting inflow of foreign tour operators.

“It’s a good show, but the appointments with the buyers need to be more realistic. The 10 minute slot is not enough to answer all queries.

Buyers are waiting while the earlier appointments continue.”

Arbind Prasad Director General FICCI

Devaiah BA Account Group Head Stark Communications Bangalore

“The exhibition has been very well organised with enthusiastic buyers.

From an exhibitor’s perspective, it’s a very good platform for Indian properties to meet the right audience and will grow manifold in the future.”

Senthil Kumar N. Director & Chief Executive Officer The Tamara, Coorg

“This show is definitely better than the one in Jaipur.

It’s better organised and the venue and timing is also very good.

Being organised on working days ensures that genuine trade members attend the event.”

Manan Mahajan Vice-President, Yatra Exotic Routes

“This is a good place to engage with the trade, put your points across and build future relationships. The business potential with the foreign buyers is huge, and IITB provides a platform to tap the opportunities.”

Vishwas Makhija Director Luxury India Holidays

“The show looks great and is well spread out. Though, I feel Jaipur was a more attractive destination, we look forward to the business opportunities at IITB this year.”

Paul Macpherson Chief of Operations, SkyWaltz Balloon Safari

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OPINIONS

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Inbound tourism for economic growth

We hope to have fruitful meetings at IITB, and we have at least 20 meetings scheduled. I hope that IITB is further strengthened and only takes on a larger mantle ahead.

Jatinder Taneja MD Travel Spirit International

Inbound tourism this year is looking good. However, we want more support from the central government, which, we think, is focusing only on North India. The boom in tourism in Kerala has been only because of the state government.

Suresh Kumar General Manager, Ramada Resort Cochin

The government must help in supporting inbound tourism.

Infrastructure has become better, but there are numerous other challenges that need to be tackled. The increasing prices of hotels and taxes are hindrances for us.

We are really excited to meet the buyers at IITB. With this platform, we can reach out to many foreign tour operators, instead of going through the DMCs. Pranay Saxena Executive – Sales Kingdom of Dreams

Davinder Singh Saini Manager – Incentives Abercrombie & Kent

We are looking at IITB with much positivity, and we are glad that buyers have come from countries that were not seen earlier, such as Armenia, Azerbaijan and even Latin America. We need to organise such events at regular intervals.

Security is most important when it comes to inbound tourism. With IITB, we hope to attract more leisure movement to India, and that we get a good share from travel agents.

Amitoj Singh Manager – Sales & Marketing Minar Travels (India)

Anita Mandal Manager Sales UP Hotels

We have a good set of meetings lined up and we hope to witness the same punctuality that we saw in GITB here at IITB. This year, we are aiming at securing at least 10 - 15 per cent growth.

Aditi Sehgal Reservations Executive ABCHAPRI Retreats

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OPINIONS

The gift of VoA from Tourism Ministry VoA will change tourism in India. People tend to decide on holidays at the last minute and India loses out on all this business because of the long and tedious visa process. With VoA, tourism in India is sure to see some great results.

As IITB is happening in Delhi, it is easier for hotel chains to participate in the show. There is no need to have more such events. We need to work together to promote IITB as the show is extremely organised.

Amit Sankhala Managing Director Jamtara Wilderness Camp

Randhir Gupta Director of Sales - Leisure Accor International Sales Office With inputs from Peden Doma Bhutia, Megha Paul, Devika Jeet and Ramya JS D’Rozario. Reporting live from IITB-2014

IITB-2014: A Report Contd. from page 1

announced that the 4th edition of the Great Domestic Tourism Bazaar will be held at FICCI on September 1920, 2014.

Appreciating the zeal of the FICCI team to conduct the event in such a grand manner, Girish Shankar, Additional Secretary, MOT, said, “We, at the Ministry, should be facilitators for development of the tourism sector, and hold hands with the private sector for all their endevaours.” Usha Sharma, Additional Director General, MOT, set the tone for the event as she talked about ITDC, FICCI and MOT

IITB On The Fingertips 247 foreign buyers from 54 countries 246 Indian sellers 9,256 pre-scheduled B2B meetings Total meetings: 10,000+

having synergised their efforts to create a platform which gives a fillip to inbound tourism in our country. “Tourism is a key driver for economic growth and this contributes around 6 per cent to our GDP. In 2013, domestic traffic has grown manifold and in 2014, we expect a further growth in this sector. The Ministry has taken a lot of initiatives to stimulate tourism in India,” informed Sharma.

Announcement N 4th edition of the Great Domestic Tourism Bazaar will be held at FICCI on September 19 and 20, 2014

FAMILY ALBUM

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IITB-2014: A renewed push for inbound The Ashok, New Delhi, played host to the first edition of the India International Travel Bazaar (IITB-2014). The event took off to a great start as it witnessed participation of a large number of buyers from all over the world.

Contd. on page 12

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FAMILY ALBUM

Setting the pace for B2B meetings Contd. from page 11

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Welcoming all international buyers

Contd. on page 14

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For a burgeoning Indian tourism Contd. from page 13

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NEWS

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Focussing on Saudi Arabia Promoting Andamans Launched in November 2013, Clickurtrip.com has built ABH-Andaman is providing ground-handling services a strong network of travel agents in India, and are such as transport, tracking, booking of inter-island ships, planning to add Turkey and Egypt to their portfolio. helicopter/seaplane tickets, guides and hotel bookings.

T T B U R E AU he company is a pure online reservation system, designed especially for travel agencies, offering instant confirmation from its inventory of thousands of hotels in hundreds of destinations. It gives 24 hours online access to the lowest rates for hotels, transfers and sightseeing, enabling agents and operators to book significantly discounted services at over 11,000 destinations across the globe, informed Muhammad Imran, CEO & Founder, Clickurtrip.com.

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The company is focussing on Saudi Arabia and is offering extensive hotel options and will soon introduce transportation and sightseeing for online bookings. According to Imran, travel agents in India have certain issues while booking travel products in Saudi Arabia. He said, “Saudi Arabia has much more poten-

tial than just pilgrimage tourism. Travel agents in India have either inadequate knowledge about the travel products or hesitate about the quality of ground-handlers. Well, through

liers, transporters and suppliers in their markets, from fivestar to budget accommodations, and city tours to helicopter and private jet providers.

Through our portal, we offer an extensive network of travel products which Indian agents can book online for every segment of travellers Muhammad Imran CEO & Founder, Clickurtrip.com our portal, we offer an extensive network of travel products which Indian agents can book online for every segment of travellers. We will also introduce our own catering facilities in Saudi Arabia soon.”

To ensure steady inventory, the company’s contractors maintain constant communication with a wide range of hote-

The company claims that all their contracted rates (which include countries like Saudi Arabia, India, UAE, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and China) are lowest in the industry because hoteliers, transporters and suppliers have trusted the Clickurtrip.com team, informs Amjad Nursumar, Director, Clickurtrip.com.

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The objective is to solely make Andaman & Nicobar Island popular as one of the best beach and water sports destination in India

BH-Andaman was launched in 2013. With the objective to provide ground handling services to Indian tour operators in Andaman & Nicobar Island, the company has successfully established its foothold in the region.

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Zia Siddiqui Talking about the evolution of the company and its potential in the region, Zia Siddiqui, Director, ABH-Andaman, says, “Andaman & Nicobar Islands are one of the most beautiful parts of the country, crafted by nature. In spite of that, the destination has not been promoted much in the inbound market.

The major problem is the lack of a professional local handling agency. Our company is trying to fill this void.”

Three professionals joined together and decided to form this company. “The objective is to solely make Andaman

Director, ABH-Andaman & Nicobar Island popular as one of the best beach and watersports destination in India. There are lots of virgin islands in Andaman such as Havelock, Neil Island, Long Island, Baratang, Rangat, Diglipur, etc,” he adds.

Regarding the new initiatives taken by the company, Siddiqui points out, “Our major activities in ABH-Andaman revolves around educating the Indian tour operators about Andaman & Nicobar Island,

inviting them for FAM tours, so they could update themselves with first-hand information about the destination. Our website www.abhandaman.com has destination information and details about required formalities for foreign nationals’ entry in the island as well.”

“We have handled over 900 tourists this year from countries as varied as Germany, Italy, Spain, Israel and the UK,” Siddiqui informs.

Expanding horizons The year 2012-2013 was remarkable for Global Asia Tours & Travel. The company, headquartered in Kathmandu, diversified its areas to Europe, Australia, and Latin America for inbound tours in Nepal.

In Nepal, tourist arrival for leisure forms 40 per cent of the total number of tourists, while 15 per cent come for trekking and mountaineering and 10 per cent for MICE. “The destinations we promote are not expensive rather attractive. The package we offer involves discounts and are full of activities.”

T T B U R E AU he company also started establishing its network throughout China. “One of the great achievements was the booming Chinese business, which is in the pipeline due to the increasing popularity of Nepal as a destination for the Chinese tourist,” said Mahendra R Paudel ‘Henny’, Director, Global Asia Tours & Travel. “We strongly believe that Nepal will receive a record number of leisure and adventure travellers during 2014-2015.”

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According to Paudel, Nepal looks to be the most popular destination in 2014 and 2015. “If you look at the size, colour and culture, India will definitely attract a good number of tourists in 20142015. Additionally, Bhutan and Tibet remain popular mystic Himalayan destinations.”

Regarding the trends in the industry, Paudel said that tourism is growing. “We can feel the wave and the growth.

Mahendra R Paudel ‘Henny’ Director Global Asia Tours & Travel

We strongly believe that Nepal will receive a record number of leisure and adventure travellers during 2014-2015 Holidaymaking as a trend is on the shift from Europe/America to Asia, especially to modern and exotic destinations like Nepal, India and Bhutan.”

The year 2012-2013 was remarkable as Global Asia Tours & Travel was the first and the only company to bag the Incentive Award from the Ministry of Tourism, Nepal.

An advocate of Responsible Tourism, he added, “We should use local expertise, empower the local people, use local infrastructures and support the local economy in decreasing the impact on nature and environment.” Political instability was the foremost challenge faced by the company during last few years. “But now, we have stable government and the days ahead look quite promising.”

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HOTELS

Leisure, MICE for Balsons 10 hotels by 2019: Adamo The group currently has three properties in its vertical—Hotel Adamo Hospitality is focussing on multiple strategies to Balsons Continental and Hotel Balsons International in East tap tourism in India. Having recorded 25 per cent growth Patel Nagar and Balsons Farm House in Kapashera, Delhi. in 2013, it now is concentrating on mid-scale segment.

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T T B U R E AU ith the entry of big hospitality brands and many other potential projects in planning, West Delhi is fast emerging as one of the largest hotel markets in North India. “Just a few steps away from the

he company, currently with three properties (one in Goa and two in Matheran), is targetting to open and operate 10 properties in next five years.

The locations for additional properties will be decided by

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Sahib Singh Owner Balsons Hotels

Theater District, Metro Station, Rajindra Place and Karol Bagh Shopping Centre, the Hotel Balsons Continental helps travellers to stay connected,”

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Sahib Singh, Owner, Balsons Hotels, says. “Our target clients are travel agents and corporates with MICE. About 60 per cent of our revenue is generated from leisure travellers and 40 per cent comes from the corporate segment,” he adds.

The company is promoting its properties among the travel agents and OTA fraternity. “Over 60 per cent of our

business is generated by the travel agents’ community, selected corporates and event holders. The hotels also provide discounts up to 30-40 per cent on our rack rates to travel agents. There are special rates for corporate groups and student groups. Our association with event planners and travel agents gives a boost to the farmhouse business throughout the year,” Singh adds.

mid-market 4-star category, the properties in Goa and Matheran recorded business growth of 25 per cent in 2013 over 2012.

Ajmera says, “Adamo is targetting the mid-scale market as it has huge potential in the

We are concentrating on delivering value-for-money to our guests who look at getting the best facility and the best price possible without compromising on the service standards Harish Ajmera Director, Adamo Hospitality

keeping business and tourism destination in mind, informed Harish Ajmera, Director, Adamo Hospitality. Placed in the

coming years.” He added, “Despite having presence only in tourist locations, Adamo never left the focus on business trav-

ellers. It caters to a large number of corporates for their conferences and other events. This focus has helped us gain insights into MICE business, and we are soon launching a property in Mumbai. In the coming five years, we intend to operate ten properties under Adamo Hospitality brand.” Apart from three properties in India, the group also operates White Feather Hotel apartment in Dubai and intends to further expand in international market.

Adamo Hospitality operates on multiple distribution channels – online booking engine, direct sales and tie-ups with online portals and travel agents across the world.

“Travel agents are the heart of Indian travel and tourism industry. They play a crucial role with the hoteliers in order to achieve their sale targets and we intend to continue our relationship with them in future,” adds Ajmera.

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HOTELS

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The new Ssence of Suryaa’s service The Suryaa has launched SURYAA SERVICE, an international ‘One Touch Programme’, which allows every need of the customer to be resolved via one contact point. The hotel also has launched a chic new restaurant ‘Ssence’.

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help desk and as per the request of the guest, the queries are directed internally to the concerned department.

All service calls are directed towards a centralised

Building a successful independent brand in the hospitality sector cannot be done without a team that is delivering consistent quality experi-

he Suryaa, New Delhi, a member of the Preferred Hotel Group, has always been a prominent landmark in Delhi and a favourite hotel of many.

ence at every instance. The staff has been continuously trained on hospitality skills and on the new tag line ‘Service So Memorable’ is just a reminder of The Suryaa’s focus on providing the best experiences to their guests.

Targetting the contemporary and young audiences in Delhi, The Suryaa has undertaken a huge re-branding exercise to reinforce 5-star facilities at affordable prices with exemplary hospitality so guests will always come back for more.

Most recently, The Suryaa has launched a chic new restaurant ‘Ssence’ (pro-

nounced as Essence) designed as a culinary showcase featuring the very best of global and local classics. Ssence is the only restaurant based on the classics of the world. The hotel aims to cater to the crowd who appreciates fine food and enjoys superior service.

The entire concept is fresh and innovative, featuring the world favourites ranging from Britain’s favourite Bacon Butty

to an excellent Nasi Goreng and some mouth-watering Barbecue Pork Ribs.

The Chandon Sunday Brunch

is already a major success which features all the classics of the à la carte menu on the buffet.

Securing a good growth Providing a RARE experience After having witnessed a growth of 14 per cent in 2013, RARE, the travel representation company known for Vasco Travel is looking at 2014 with enthusiasm, promoting unique experiences in India has entered the global platform and offers niche getaways internationally. ready to face all challenges.

T T B U R E AU n 2012, Vasco Travel won their 5th National Tourism Award, and in 2013, they saw an increase of 14 per cent in its overall proficiency even in low times. Vikas Abott, MD, Vasco Travel, shared, “People have

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Vikas Abott Managing Director Vasco Travel

started to avoid run-of-the-mill programmes. We, as true pathfinders, feel our guests look beyond just exploring the Golden Triangle or rustic

Rajasthan, which we feel will vanish in the backdrop sooner than later. So, we need to generate new passages that can ignite a new spark for the industry.”

more environmentally conscious. They are concerned with the carbon footprint that they leave behind. We take our Responsible Tourism activities very seriously.”

Speaking on the inbound destinations which will gain popularity this year, he said, “Gujarat –with its sheer experiences of exotic historical sites, wildlife and a paradise for bird-watchers will win.

Among the challenges India’s tourism industry is facing, he said, “There are many things that spring to my mind like global meltdowns, visa issues, flexible policies, and above all, security lapse and terror attacks have forced travellers not to travel to India.”

We are working more on value-based programmes, introduction of liberal policies, greater air connectivity and good provision of hotels and airlines facilities.”

He further said, “Travellers have also become

Vikramajit Chairman SanJeet Editor & Publisher Deepa Sethi Editor-in-Chief

Editorial Megha Paul Devika Jeet Anita Jain News-Editor Peden Doma Bhutia Desk-Editor Neelam Singh Sr. Sub-Editor Hritvick Sen

Marketing Gunjan Sabikhi Harshal Ashar Aarti Nagrath Karishma Khanna Priyanshu Wankhade Amit Sarkar Bharat Chawla Elizabeth Rani

Their profile entails introducing and positioning a brand and concept within the travel fraternity, especially amongst decision-makers.

and market very niche properties across the country and the sub-continent. RARE represents over 34 properties, spanning 13 states and 2 countries that can be broadly categorised into jungle lodges, boutique home stays, intimate palaces, retreats & private hideaways, farms & plantation stays, walking trails, spa retreats, off road driving, camping, excursions, jeep safaris, treks, among others.

Being in the industry for over a decade, they promote

Growing their presence, RARE India has now

romising a holiday with enchanting experiences, travel representation company RARE is known for its innovation and promotion of unique concepts that lend themselves to travel.

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gone global. They are taking forward RARE India's ethos of promoting small, niche getaways and owner-driven concepts. They have a few global experiences that they now promote in the Indian market. This includes the Svalbard Polar Quest which promises to be breathtaking.

At RARE, the location is the destination. They believe firmly that travel plays a major role in everyone’s lifestyle and the properties promise a very tasteful experience.

Vasco Travel is a specialist in catering to exciting journeys in the entire Indian Subcontinent, which include Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Maldives. Their main focus is on experiences, and apart from their cultural holidays they have special interest tours. In future, they have plans to foray into the MICE sector as well.

Design Nityanand Misra Sudhir Mudgal Vikas Mandotia Nitin Kumar Production Manager

Anil Kharbanda Circulation

Ashok Rana Photographers Simran Kaur-Delhi

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HOTELS

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The Indo-French Hospitality Supertech enters hospitality Creating unique hotels with a timeless atmosphere; After completing two successful decades in real old, yet modern, fresh and rare; La Villa and estate, the Supertech Group is now developing a Villa Shanti have built new style hotels in Puducherry. hotel brand, Hyphen Group of Hotels.

T T B U R E AU ensitive to the preservation of architectural and cultural heritage, but ambitious to bring a breath of fresh air in a booming country, the two hotels, Villa

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tionality to revisit the cultural mix present in the city.

Providing a product halfway between the hospitality of a home and the best of a hotel, French architects Tina Trigala and Yves Lesprit have suc-

with all modern facilities and a ‘soul’, a chain of such properties might become a reality soon. A good atmosphere, good food and good services is what the brand stands for and continues to deliver. The promoters are closely linked to the travel industry and believe in a long-term relationship with the travel trade rather than yield management using OTA’s.

The Idea Within

Shanti and La Villa aim to keep old structures alive and provide another life to ancient constructions.

The two properties follow an approach based on understanding the local environment, while integrating Western func-

cessfully applied the concept of ‘adaptive reuse’ which refers to the process of reusing an old site or building for a purpose other than which it was built or designed for.

Believing in the bright future for small unique hotels

N French architects Tina Trigala and Yves Lesprit have successfully applied the concept of ‘adaptive reuse’ which refers to the process of reusing an old site or building for a purpose other than which it was built or designed for.

T T B U R E AU upertech Group, founded in 1988, has been setting new trends and benchmarks of architectural excellence in the contemporary global scenario. After completing 20 years in real estate business, Supertech has now ventured into the hospitality sector with its own brand, Hyphen Hotels. The Hyphen Group owns and operates hotels in Noida (3-Star), Haridwar and Meerut (4-Star) with a total capacity of 177 rooms.

with amenities such as LCD TVs with satellite channels, Internet, mini-bar, and safe lockers. The hotel chain continues to grow and flourish with its mission to provide a superior hospitality experience at excellent value in various market segments.

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Elegantly built with modern facilities to cater to all the needs of business travellers, the hotels are welllocated. With close proximity to the industrial areas, malls, bus stands, railway stations and airports, they are all within reachable distances. Each hotel has multi-cuisine restaurants, banquet & conferencing facilities, boardrooms, gyms, WiFi service and

Anil Rathore Group COO Supertech Hotels

With Hyphen Jaipur, we have entered into a management contract with leading business house of Rajasthan Ujjwal Luxury Hotels a lot more. The rooms, categorised as deluxe, superior and suites, are fully-equipped

The Group has dynamic plans and will soon be adding one hotel in Dehradun and another in Jaipur. “With Hyphen Jaipur, we have entered into a management contract with leading business house of Rajasthan Ujjwal Luxury Hotels”, informs Anil Rathore, Group COO, Supertech Hotels.

What They Have N Each hotel has multi-cuisine restaurants, banquet & conferencing facilities, boardrooms, gyms, Wi-Fi service and a lot more.

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HOTELS

TRAVTALK IITB DAILY 2014 DAY-2

From strength to strength UNA launches home stays After successfully establishing itself as a hotel marketing The group is in partnership talks with prospective owners company, Aalishan Hotels has recently forayed into for other home-stay accommodations in Kolkata, Shimla, hotel management as well.

Mussoorie, Chennai and Jodhpur.

T T B U R E AU ince its inception in 1999, Aalishan Hotels is capitalising on the emerging business opportunities. With the experience of 20 years in the hospitality industry in hotel management and sales operations, the company now represents city hotels and promotes them extensively through travel trade shows and events. It is also exploring untapped marketing mediums and avenues, says Ashwani Bansal, Proprietor, Aalishan Hotels.

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Talking about the evolution of the company, Bansal points out, “After successfully establishing itself as a hotel marketing company, Aalishan Hotels has now forayed into hotel management as well. The

What They Can...

N The company also does conceptualising, site inspection, planning of facilities, management policies, manpower and F&B management

Ashwani Bansal Proprietor Aalishan Hotels

After successfully establishing itself as a hotel marketing company, Aalishan Hotels has now forayed into hotel management as well promoters, being hotel management graduates with over a decade of experience, have

proved their calibre with their maiden venture of managing Hotel Grand Peepal, Delhi and Shilon Villa, Delhi.” Apart from general management, Aalishan Hotels also focusses on conceptualising, site inspection, planning of facilities, planning management policies & system, manpower management, F&B Management (Production and Services), purchases, equipment procurement and installation, branding and market positioning of the hotels/resorts/camps/restaurants, etc., he adds.

Regarding the growth of mid-market segment in the hotel industry, he opines, “There is an urgent need for budget and mid-market hotels in the country as travellers look for safe and affordable accommodation. Various domestic and international brands have made significant inroads into this space and more are expected to follow as the potential for this segment of hotels becomes more obvious.”

In a buoyant mood

T T B U R E AU

Our strength is in our sales and marketing. We have tie-ups with over 50 OTAs for sales and marketing and also have our own dedicated sales team.

We assure effective functionality and better RoIs to our owners,” he points out.

elhi-based hotel management company UNA Hotels has come a long way since its inception in April 2011. Starting from two hotels in 2011, the group currently has 23 hotels, resorts and home-stays in its portfolio.

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Going forward, the company is looking at adding another 15 units in its kitty.

According to Pankaj Giroti, Managing Director, UNA Hotels, the company is looking at hotels with smaller inventories where bigger brands are not interested to offer management support. Commitment to the partners in this niche segment is of utmost importance, he says. “UNA is a ‘flexible’ hotel management company

3-Tier Service N UNA Smart is a midsegment business hotel brand, UNA Comfort is an extended stay/resort brand, UNA Express is a limited services hotel

Pankaj Giroti Managing Director UNA Hotels

UNA is a ‘flexible’ hotel management company which offers ‘needbased’ and ‘location-based’ management solutions to the hotel owners which offers ‘need-based’ and ‘location-based’ management solutions to the hotel-owners.

The group currently operates with four brands. UNA Smart is a mid-segment business hotel brand, UNA Comfort is an extended stay/resort brand, UNA Express is a limited services hotel. Recently, UNA Hotels launched its fourth brand UNA Home Stay in January 2014.

“We see a lot of potential in the home stay segment and thus, will make serious inroads with this new brand that will cater to boutique bed and breakfast services,” Giroti informs. Under the home stay kitty, the group has three operational hotels in Goa, Lucknow and Kasauli.

“We are in partnership talks with prospective owners for other home stay accommodation in Kolkata, Shimla, Mussoorie, Chennai and Jodhpur,” the MD adds.

Marching with optimism

Established in October 2013, Travenza Tours is looking Despite the volatile nature of the US dollar, Concord at 2014 with a promising forecast, hoping to increase Travel and Tours is confident that they will better their their turnover by `10 crore. performance in 2014, as compared to all previous years.

T T B U R E AU ew in the industry, Travenza Tours offers a plethora of products and services. From booking hotels, offering visa assistance, cab services for Delhi and inter-city tours, booking trains to airline ticketing, travel insurance and MICE, a vast array of services can be availed.

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Foreign tourist arrivals in India show an upward trend.

“India has been named as one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the next 10 years by the World Travel and Tourism Council,” said Mona Katyal, MD, Travenza Tours.

“The best thing which can ever happen to the Indian hospitality sector is the emergence of the mid-market segment hotels, which are doing very well presently. I feel that the Indian subcontinent has a strong appetite for 3-star and 4-star hotels and is currently witness-

Treatments such as Ayurveda and Yoga therapies have gained prominence, since they are not easily available in other countries Mona Katyal MD, Travenza Tours ing a huge demand-supply mismatch in all metropolitan cities,” she added. The challenges faced by the tourism industry are numerous and complex. “Addressing these challenges will require a high level of coordination and cooperation to marshal resources more effectively.”

India has a number of hospitals that are wellequipped with state-of-the-art

infrastructure, modern technology and other medical facilities, available at affordable rates compared to other developed and emerging countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, etc.

“People travel to avail of such facilities because of cheaper rates. Treatments such as Ayurveda and Yoga therapies have gained prominence, since they are not easily available in other countries.”

than travel agents,” he added, with a serious note.

T T B U R E AU ffering a wide range of services, Concord Travels & Tours specialises in MICE, business & trade delegations, annual family days/picnics, national days of embassies & high commissions, hotel bookings – within India and abroad, domestic and outbound packages, adventure tours, leisure tours, pilgrimage tours, among others.

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“We have been improving our performance every year,” said Harish Mathur, President, Concord Travel & Tours. However, there are numerous challenges the company is facing in light of recent economic situation.

“Among the challenges that we face are very high hotel rates. In India, the taxation structure is one of the highest in the world. This forces hoteliers to approach corporates directly, and offer better rates

Harish Mathur President Concord Travel & Tours

Among the challenges that we face are very high hotel rates.

In India, the taxation structure is one of the highest in the world

Looking forward to 2014, destinations that will gain in popularity are Brazil, due to the FIFA World Cup, Bali and the United Arab Emirates during IPL-7. “Among the upcoming trends in the travel and tourism industry are the increasing promotional fares introduced by airlines which has resulted in ‘anytime holiday season’,” he added.

Also offering services in the MICE sector, the group recently organised a MICE trip to Goa of 750 pax. “The most popular tour options among clients are Goa and the Golden Triangle.”

Where To Go N Destinations that will gain in popularity are Brazil, Bali and the UAE