Tag Archives: Europe

Hilton has unveiled an exclusive  programme ‘Namaste’ for its Indian groups designed to deliver a tailored experience for those travelling from India to Europe. The programme caters to three major segments—destination weddings, meetings and incentives, and film shoots giving guests the confidence that Hilton will meet all their needs and expectations every time, no matter the occasion or destination. Fiona Robson, Senior Director— Sales Operations Europe, Hilton, said, “Huge population, rising incomes and improving infrastructure, among others offer a strong growth opportunity. India is one of the biggest growth markets, with Indians now preferring luxury and overseas stays with their improving financial status. Exceptional quality, impeccable service and always the warmest of welcomes, no one knows hospitality like Hilton. We pride ourselves in understanding the needs of our Indian guests and ensuring that we deliver a truly memorable stay; this precisely is the thinking behind ‘Namaste’, our uniquely designed programme for group travel.”

India Convention Promotion Bureau’s (ICPB) MICE international Roadshow in Europe saw participation from more than 100 MiCE buyers and association representatives from Paris, Brussels, Geneva and Zurich. According to a release by ICPB, 12 representatives from India from various segments like incentive operators, venues and professional conference organisers, interacted with buyers and discussed business prospects. The Indian Ambassadors from France and Switzerland addressed the roadshows and extended support for future events. The roadshows were supported by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and the Indian Tourism Offices in Frankfurt and Paris.  

Globus has recently introduced Private Touring in Europe designed for parties ranging from two to two dozen people. Any Europe itinerary can be converted to a Private Touring experience once an itinerary is chosen and the travelling party’s numbers have been confirmed. Of particular interest to travellers looking for a multi-generational experience, there is no age restriction for travellers and even infants can join on the tour. “The biggest opportunity for agents is with friends and family groups,” stated Varesh Chopra, Regional Director – South Asia & Middle East, Globus family of brands. “A Globus Private Tour is a great way to give those groups that perfect balance of logistics support with the personalised delivery of catering to their particular group. For all agents who have those group prospects,reaching out proactively now to suggest a private tour could translate to a nice incremental revenue opportunity along with a great experience for their clients.” Above the brochure price for the regular tour, travellers pay a supplement based on the number of people in the group. The higher the number of guests, the lower the supplement per person.  

Insight Vacations, brought in India by Signature Tours, has launched its new 2018 Europe Premium Escorted Journeys collection featuring 70 Insight Experiences, 100 guided vacations, and four styles of distinctive journeys. Included are eight new European Discovery Journeys as well as Regional Journeys, Country Roads and Easy Pace, different travel styles to match varying preferences. Evon Ler, President, Insight Vacations, Asia says, “Guests who have travelled with Insight Vacations know about our outstanding Insight Difference since it has been our personal mission for 40 years to create magical experiences for travellers. We are proud of our team of passionate travel directors and colleagues who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure we deliver authentic experiences that make holidays memorable. Our Insight Experiences are a curated collection of memories-in-the-making by connecting our guests with locals, unique activities and expert insights to bring each destination to life.” Ler was in India recently to launch the new itineraries. The eight new 2018 European Discoveries range from 9 to 19 days, each offering experiences to Europe’s popular destinations. These itineraries visit 12 countries.

The India Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB) held its first interactive meeting of the newly elected Governing Board and all members of the body at Hotel Samrat, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. Enlisting new plans of ICPB in 2018, Chander Mansharamani, Vice Chairman, ICPB says, “For our international roadshows in Europe, we are planning to go in for three cities- Geneva, Paris and Brussels. Most of the international organisations have headquarters in these three cities. We are raising money to hire a PR agency that can get appointments with most of the associations there.” Talking about the key takeaway from the interactive session, he says, “We at ICPB are very happy that we could build up confidence with the Ministry of Tourism, where they are coming forward to ask us what exactly we want, their wish to partner with us and do things together. For 2018, besides roadshows, training programmes and convention, we will be concentrating on the marketing side. We market India as the preferred convention destination, which involves the roadshows abroad. This is the first time we will be going abroad to do a roadshow.”  

Air France-KLM and Jet Airways have signed a landmark ‘Enhanced Cooperation Agreement’ for the development of their operations between Europe and India. A first in the history of Indian aviation, this agreement strengthens the partnership built between the three airlines since 2014. This cooperation was expanded in 2016 with an extensive code-share agreement for connections between Europe and North America and Jet Airways’ hubs at Mumbai and Delhi in India via Air France-KLM’ hubs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol. Jean-Marc Janaillac, Chairman and CEO, Air France-KLM, says, “Air France-KLM and Jet Airways are launching the first cooperation agreement of its kind on the India – Europe market, one of the markets at the heart of the group’s strategy for the coming years. We are innovating within the airline industry by offering connections between two partnerships for the first time: our enhanced cooperation agreement for India – Europe with Jet Airways and the Air France-KLM and Delta Air Lines’ Europe – North American joint venture. Jet Airways, Air France, KLM, and, Delta Air Lines will thus connect India to a vast transatlantic network via the Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol hubs. With over 1,200,000 customers carried between India and Europe by the Group and our Indian partner, half of whom are travelling onward to North America, we are confirming our ambition to offer customers an enhanced network, and a unique, seamless product tailored to their needs with the best products and services.” Naresh Goyal, Chairman, Jet Airways, adds, “The enhanced cooperation agreement between Jet Airways, Air France and KLM being signed during Jet Airways’ 25th Year and Air France’s 70 Years in India, represents the next stage in our journey …

Value Retail, specialists in the creation and operation of luxury shopping destinations offering outlet pricing, the Collection of 11 Chic Outlet Shopping Villages in Europe and China, has appointed AVIAREPS India to support in sales, marketing and trade promotion across India. Value Retail serves the world’s leading brands in key tourism markets in western Europe and China, working with the world’s top travel trade operators to attract customers from all over the world. Value Retail has consistently delivered double-digit growth in gross sales every year since the opening of the first Village, Bicester Village, in 1995. The Villages are widely recognised as the best performing shopping centres in terms of sales densities in the world. Speaking about the partnership, Marcelo Molinari, Group Tourism Director, Value Retail, comments: “India has been a strategic market for Value Retail for many years and we are delighted to be working with AVIAREPS to extend our presence in the region. India is rapidly becoming one of the fastest growing outbound travel markets in the world, second only to China. Our award-winning Villages are just outside the major European cities and offer guests the world’s best brands along with memorable shopping experiences supported by events, food, styling services and unparalleled hospitality – there is something for everyone.” Value Retail also has specialist in-house Groups & Events teams in every Village dedicated to serving business tourism guests. The company creates tailor-made programmes for groups of between 10 and 7,000 attendees to support the needs of the growing Indian MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events) and luxury tourism market. Also speaking on the association, Joseph Fernandes, General Manager, AVIAREPS India, said: “Shopping is the top activity for Indians …

According to data provided by Ministry of Home Affairs, the number of medical visas issued by India in 2016 rose by 45 per cent over 2015. India issued more than 1.78 lakh medical visas in 2016, including for follow up treatment, as against 1.22 lakh in 2015, according to the data. A Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) report titled “India Services Sector—A Multi-trillion Dollar Opportunity for Global Symbiotic Growth 2017” stated that the presence of world-class hospitals and skilled medical professionals has strengthened India’s position as a preferred destination for medical tourism. Treatment for major surgeries in India costs only a fraction—in some cases as low as 10 per cent of that in developed countries. “Majority of the patients coming to India for treatment are from the Middle East, Africa, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Maldives, Pakistan, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. India’s cost advantage will significantly open doors to the US and Europe over future, due to lower cost than the US and almost half that of Europe.” Dental tourism accounts for 10 per cent of the medical tourism and the government is keen to promote it. “India provides competitive cost advantage at one tenth of the cost of the US and Europe. By 2020, medical tourism industry of India is expected to touch $8 billion,” the report said. Source: Livemint

Absolute Hotel Services Group (AHS) has announced a cooperation between AHS and Vienna House, Austria’s largest hotel group, to expand their related brands in Asia and Europe. Vienna House currently owns and/or managed 36 properties throughout Europe. AHS India plans to introduce this new brand in India soon. The new corporation between AHS and Vienna House will be beneficial for both hotel groups with the expansion of AHS’ U Hotels and Resorts brand into the European market via AHS Europe office in Vienna, Austria while also expanding the Vienna House brand in Asia under the auspices of Vienna House Asia. Jonathan Wigley, CEO, AHS, says, “In Vienna House I can think of no better a partner to introduce our U properties into Europe as their reputation precedes them for an unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction and authentic hospitality, which is exactly what we at AHS are looking for to spearhead our expansion westwards.” CEO of Vienna House, Rupert Simoner adds, “Having Absolute Hotel Services as our partner in Asia is a genuinely exciting time for us as now we have the strong background and unwavering support of an already well-established and respected company to bring the Vienna House experience to a whole new market in Asia

Jet Airways has expanded the scope of its popular eduJetter programme for upcoming 2017-18 academic year. The revised program will make it easier for Indian students and those from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal – holding confirmed admissions for studying at universities/ institutions in Australia, Canada, Europe, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, United Kingdom, and the USA, to commence their new academic journey. Effective this year, privileges include special baggage allowance of up to 69 kg, free SIM cards (with exclusive calling rates), and through baggage check-in up to the final destination. Participating students also receive a free ISIC Forex Card  that offers easy and safe access to foreign exchange besides enjoying a five per cent discount on JetEscapes Holidays. Jet Airways has also simplified the entire process of eduJetter application and booking, as part of widening the appeal of the programme. The new, automatic application process is user-friendly and allows students to apply in three steps – book a flight ticket, visit the EduJetter page on the Jet Airways website to fill an online request form. The student then receives  an updated ticket from the airline with applicable eduJetter benefits within 72 hours. Commenting on the programme and its enhancements, Jayaraj Shanmugam, Chief Commercial Officer, Jet Airways said, “Jet Airways  has always endeavored to provide exceptional value to guests by way of special programmes and partnerships. EduJetter is one such initiative that offers tremendous value to the student community travelling abroad for higher education from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal, in the form of a bouquet of services that have been specially created by anticipating their needs at this significant moment in their life.”