Heavens Portfolio, a renowned hotel representation company based in Asia, has announced its strategic expansion into Dubai, marking its first office outside of Asia. This move signifies a significant step in the company’s global growth strategy and underscores its dedication to providing comprehensive services to its clients. Dubai will serve as the 16th office for the Heavens Portfolio Group.
In its bid to enter the Middle Eastern market seamlessly, Heavens Portfolio has acquired The Travel Collection (TTC), an established representation agency in Dubai founded by Jacqueline Campbell. Following the acquisition, the merged entity will be rebranded as The Travel Portfolio, continuing its mission to represent top global luxury travel partners in the GCC region.
Christine Galle-Luczak, Founder and Managing Director of Heavens Portfolio, expressed her excitement about the expansion and acquisition, stating, “I have known and collaborated with Jacqueline for many years. We share common values, work ethics, and a commitment to our clients. The addition of Jacqueline and her team to the Heavens Portfolio Group as we extend our presence beyond Asia reflects our dedication to excellence and innovation. Dubai’s dynamic environment aligns perfectly with our vision, and we are eager to explore the potential opportunities this brings for The Travel Portfolio, our clients, and the talented individuals joining our expanding team.”
This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone for both entities as they aim to cater to the growing Indian and global luxury traveller market by offering tailor-made luxury travel experiences in the enchanting island destination of Sri Lanka. Through this partnership, Red Dot Representations strengthens its position in the luxury destination management sector.
Jacqueline Campbell, Managing Director, The Travel Collection (TTC), also expressed optimism about the collaboration, mentioning, “The launch of The Travel Portfolio signifies a significant milestone in the evolution of our company. By joining forces, we are creating a formidable entity that combines our unique strengths, expertise, and resources to redefine industry standards and deliver exceptional value to our clients. I am confident that together, we will navigate today’s business landscape with resilience and shape a promising future.”The strategic acquisition and expansion into Dubai highlight Heavens Portfolio Group’s commitment to growth, innovation, and providing top-notch services to its clients in the luxury travel sector.
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Radisson Hotel Group has announced the appointment of Nikhil Sharma as the Managing Director and Area Senior Vice President (ASVP) for South Asia, effective April 1, 2024. Earlier this position was held by Zubin Saxena, who moved to Hilton late last year and assumed the role of Senior Vice President and Country Head – India.
In his new role, Sharma will lead Radisson Hotel Group’s operations in the dynamic South Asia region, which comprises over 165 hotels in operation and development. “With a wealth of experience, he will play a crucial role in strengthening the Group’s leadership in the Indian market, fostering partnerships, driving revenue growth, and ensuring operational excellence. Nikhil will also spearhead the Group’s vision of becoming an employer of choice for dynamic talent in the hospitality industry,” the hotel chain said in a statement.
Sharma joins Radisson Hotel Group from Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (WHR), where he served as Market Managing Director Eurasia, overseeing Business Development, Operations, New Openings, and Sales & Marketing. Prior to that, he held the position of Chief Operating Officer at Ginger Hotels, a prominent brand under the IHCL conglomerate. His contributions as a founding member of the Lemon Tree Hotel Company have also been instrumental in the growth of India’s upscale hotel segment.
Commenting on the development, Chema Basterrechea, Global President & Chief Operations Officer at Radisson Hotel Group, expressed confidence in Sharma’s strategic vision and industry understanding, emphasising the Group’s commitment to strategic growth in South Asia. “Nikhil’s appointment reflects our commitment to strengthening our leadership team and driving strategic growth in South Asia. This region is a key market for us. With Nikhil’s strategic vision and deep understanding of the industry, we are confident in our ability to further elevate our presence and deliver exceptional experiences to our guests,” he said.
KB Kachru, Chairman, South Asia at Radisson Hotel Group, also extended a warm welcome to Sharma, highlighting his dynamic leadership qualities. “We are pleased to welcome a dynamic leader like Nikhil to steer us ahead in this journey and wish him the best for leading Radisson Hotel Group’s next phase of growth in South Asia,” he mentioned.
The HAI election took place during HAI’s milestone 100th Executive Committee (EC) meeting, where Kachru succeeded Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of IHCL. The new management committee, including Dr JK Mohanty as Honorary Secretary and Sanjay Sethi as Honorary Treasurer, will steer the Association’s initiatives until 2025.
Sharma, in response to his appointment, expressed enthusiasm for leading Radisson Hotel Group’s growth in South Asia. “I am thrilled to be part of Radisson Hotel Group and to lead South Asia during this exhilarating period of growth. With a diverse portfolio of brands and hotels, the Group is poised to be the top choice for travellers and asset owners alike. I am grateful for this opportunity to drive innovation, deliver exceptional results, and elevate the brand while creating value for our stakeholders,” he stated.Apart from his role at Radisson Hotel Group, Sharma is actively involved in the hospitality sector in India, serving on committees for various federations, associations, and industry bodies. He is also a published author and contributes regularly to leading hospitality publications.
Radisson Hotel Group remains a dominant player in the Indian market with over 165 hotels in operation and development. Its strategic presence spans tier-1, tier-2, and tier-3 markets, offering a diverse portfolio of brands that cater to travellers’ varying needs. The Group’s upcoming addition, Radisson Collection, signifies its commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences across India.
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Global hospitality giant, BWH Hotels, takes a major stride towards consolidating its position in South Asia through a strategic partnership with Sorrel Hospitality. The move aims to fortify the presence of World Hotels, BWH’s luxury brand, in the vibrant markets of India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
BWH Hotels said it is set to write a new chapter in its journey. Leveraging the expertise of Sorrel Hospitality as its master franchisee in the region, BWH Hotels is poised to expand its footprint in the dynamic South Asian market with a specific focus on elevating World Hotels in key destinations.
The strategic move follows BWH Hotels’ landmark acquisition of World Hotels in 2019, emphasising the company’s dedication to delivering luxury accommodation and elevated guest satisfaction across diverse landscapes in South Asia.
Larry Cuculic, President and Chief Executive Officer, BWH Hotels, expressed his commitment to the initiative, “With a dedicated focus on enhancing the presence of World Hotels in India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, we are committed to elevating the standards of luxury accommodation and guest satisfaction. This move, fueled by the landmark acquisition of World Hotels in 2019, underscores BWH Hotels’ unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional service and creating unparalleled guest experiences throughout the diverse landscapes of South Asia.”
The 320-room hotel integrates Colombo’s spirit and cultural richness into its ambience, making it the perfect for both locals and tourists to work, meet and relax. Within a 2 km distance are renowned landmarks such as Gengaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park, while the historic Independence Memorial Hall lies just a 10-minute drive away.
Ron Pohl, President of International Operations and of World Hotels, added, “I am delighted to announce a strategic leap that signifies a remarkable chapter in our journey. Partnering with Sorrel Hospitality, our esteemed master franchisee, we are poised to extend our influence in the dynamic South Asian market.”Atul Jain, COO- India, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka, BWH Hotels, shared his enthusiasm about the expansion, “We are thrilled to embark on this exciting journey of expansion of World Hotels in India, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka. These countries hold immense potential in the luxury hospitality sector, and this strategic move is a testament to our dedication to enhancing the presence of World Hotels in this region.”
As BWH Hotels takes this significant step, it invites guests, partners, and stakeholders to anticipate a transformative era in hospitality.
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In a significant move, Zoomcar, the leading player in the digital car rental space, has successfully gone public on NASDAQ through a merger deal with IOAC. In an exclusive interview with ETTravelWorld, Greg Moran, CEO & Co-Founder of Zoomcar, expressed his excitement and satisfaction about this milestone, highlighting the rarity of homegrown companies making it to the US exchange. He emphasised the strong partnership formed with IOAC, particularly with its Chairman & CEOMohan Ananda, who is also the primary sponsor of the SPAC and is now a significant investor in Zoomcar.During the interaction, Moran stated, “The alignment of medium to long-term goals in building out Zoomcar from a fundamental standpoint is very aligned, and that’s not super often in an IPO transaction.”
The choice of NASDAQ was deliberate, given Zoomcar’s expansion plans outside India, with a footprint in Indonesia and Egypt, and aspirations to enter new geographies across Southeast Asia and Latin America.
SPAC Route for Going Public
When asked about the decision to go public through a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC), Moran highlighted the benefits for a company of Zoomcar’s scale. He pointed out the concrete partnership formed with the investor base and the better visibility into the capital acquired, providing more confidence and focus on core execution.
“The SPAC transaction is a little more defined, and you can focus a little more on the core execution as opposed to very extensive marketing efforts, which is typically the case in a regular IPO,” Moran explained.
Global Expansion Plans
Zoomcar’s growth plans include expanding its footprint in emerging markets. Moran identified India and Indonesia as strong emerging markets and outlined plans to enter markets like Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Brazil, and Mexico in the coming quarters.
Bullish on India’s Market
Moran further expressed a bullish outlook for the Indian market, highlighting Zoomcar’s 90 per cent market share in the country. He emphasised the vast untapped opportunity in India, with millions of potential hosts and users yet to explore the platform. The company plans to dial up its investment, particularly in Tier-II cities, tourist destinations, and regions with significant travel and tourism potential.
AI Integration and Product Features
Zoomcar, which distinguishes itself with AI-driven solutions for user experience, including machine learning models for matching supply and demand, personalisation for guests and hosts, and advanced fraud detection is also seamlessly integrating AI into the platform, with a focus on creating next-level personalisation for users.
Mathias Schmid, Senior Vice President, Trip Division, Booking.com provided deeper insights into the company’s vision and the role of the new COE in an exclusive interview with ETTravelWorld. For the Indian market, this translates into scaling the attractions business and adding more relevant products to cater to the unique preferences and travel patterns of Indian users.
No Plans for US Market Entry
Despite its listing on NASDAQ, Zoomcar has no plans to operate in developed or mature markets like the US or Europe. Responding to the query, Moran explained that the company’s core focus is on emerging markets, such as India, Indonesia, and Latin America.
Future Trends: SUVs and Electric Vehicles
Moran also discussed emerging trends during the discussion, including a growing preference for SUVs and the increasing popularity of electric vehicles on the Zoomcar platform. He anticipates these trends will continue to accelerate over the next 4-5 years, driven by government initiatives and evolving consumer preferences.
Focused on Core P2P Platform
In response to whether Zoomcar would venture into ride-hailing or ride-sharing, Moran stressed the substantial opportunity in the self-drive category, with a multi-thousand crore market. He stated, “I certainly don’t see us drifting into anything new. We are a core P2P platform for self-drive, and it’s quite different from a P2P ride-hailing platform.” Zoomcar will continue to focus on its core business for the foreseeable future.
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In a significant move to enhance corporate travel management, Yatra Online has officially joined forces with Aramco Asia India, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aramco. This strategic partnership aims to streamline travel booking, hotels, and ancillary services for Aramco employees across Asia, emphasising Yatra‘s commitment to delivering exceptional service, cost efficiency, and cutting-edge technology.
As the largest corporate travel service provider and the third-largest online travel company in India, Yatra is poised to cater to the diverse needs of Aramco Asia through seamless booking processes and an extensive array of travel options. This partnership is rooted in understanding Aramco Asia’s unique preferences, reflecting Yatra’s dedication to providing unparalleled service quality and innovative technology solutions.
Sabina Chopra, COO-Corporate Travel and Head – Industry Relations, Yatra Online, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We’re thrilled to welcome Aramco Asia as a valued client and partner. This partnership is a big step for us, and we’re excited to offer Aramco Asia our top-notch travel management services. With our ‘Yatra for Business’ platform’s advanced technology and our quick customer onboarding, we’ve solidified our leadership in corporate travel. We’re committed to providing Aramco Asia with excellent travel experiences, saving costs, and making their operations even more efficient.”Mohammed Al-Herbish, Aramco Asia India Managing Director, highlighted the value of the strategic partnership, stating, “This strategic partnership will provide Aramco Asia with the opportunity to avail the efficient and reliable travel services of Yatra Online. The collaboration reflects our commitment to delivering a seamless and enhanced travel experience for our employees across Asia.”
Despite a 14.7 per cent decrease in air ticket prices during the same period, gross bookings surged by 10.2 per cent YoY to INR 17,504 million. However, the B2B business was affected by subdued spending across IT/ITES clients. Nonetheless, Yatra continued to expand its corporate clientele, securing 13 new accounts during the quarter.
Yatra is set to offer Aramco Asia a high-touch travel management experience, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey for its employees. The user-friendly platform will empower Aramco Asia employees to conveniently book flights, hotels, trains, and other ancillary services. This partnership is expected to provide comprehensive travel solutions to subsidiary offices in India, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Australia.Leveraging its industry-leading expertise, global network, and advanced technology, Yatra Online, aims to optimise Aramco Asia’s travel logistics and enhance the overall travel experience for its employees. The collaboration represents a synergy between Yatra’s proficiency in the travel industry and Aramco Asia’s commitment to seamless and efficient corporate travel.
The strategic alliance between Yatra Online and Aramco Asia signifies a significant step forward in elevating corporate travel experiences across the Asian region. As the partnership takes flight, it is poised to redefine the landscape of corporate travel management with a focus on innovation, efficiency, and personalised service.
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The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, participated in this year’s ITB Asia exhibition, held in Singapore from October 25 to October 27, putting special emphasis on inbound and sustainable tourism as it strives to position India as a premier international destination.
According to the Ministry, the primary objective was to promote inbound tourism to India globally, particularly in the Asia Pacific region, under the banner of ‘Incredible India! Visit India Year 2023.’
Singapore and the Southeast Asia region are of paramount importance for India, especially for Buddhist tourism, owing to the connectivity between the two regions, with approximately 150 flights operating per week. This year has been designated as ‘Visit India Year 2023’, with a focus on India’s positioning in key international markets.
The Ministry of Tourism has been particularly pushing sustainable tourism in the country and now, it is looking to spread the messaging to the world. Ahead of India’s recently concluded G20 Presidency, the country has launched a national strategy for sustainable tourism aimed at making the Indian tourism sector more resilient, inclusive, carbon-neutral, and resource-efficient, all while safeguarding natural and cultural resources.
The strategy encompasses seven key pillars that encompass environmental, economic, and socio-cultural sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and creating awareness through skill development and entrepreneurship, which were also a key of G20 discussions.
The Mcleodganj-Bhagsunag-Tau Chaola road and Hiru Dasalan-Tamru Chaola road are set to be constructed near Dharamshala. Besides the 11 eco-tourism sites earmarked, a multitude of other projects is in the pipeline, including an international-level convention center in Dharamshala, a Zoological Park in Bankhandi, an Old Age Wellness Resort, a tourism village, Kangra Heliport, among others.
Its Travel for LiFE program has also been designed to instigate significant behavioural change among tourists and tourism businesses. The Ministry of Tourism’s participation at the exhibition especially focused on capturing the region’s attention towards India’s thematic products. These include adventure, wellness, Himalayas, eco-tourism, sustainable tourism, and exotic wildlife. The Incredible India pavilion at the event was inaugurated by Shilpak Ambule, the High Commissioner of India to Singapore.
The India contingent this year included several Destination Management Companies (DMCs), the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and the Hyderabad International Convention Centre.
Separately, the State Government of Goa, as well as UT administrations of Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Puducherry, participated to exhibit their respective tourism offerings.
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Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), announced its return to Asia with Norwegian Jewel setting sail from Tokyo and commenced its extensive six-month season of voyages in the region.
As the first ship in the NCL fleet to return to Asia in over three years, Norwegian Jewel will offer 16 immersive, port-rich itineraries, visiting 11 countries and sailing from nine different departure ports, including Bangkok (Laem Chabang) Thailand; Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang) Malaysia; Singapore; Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan; Bali (Benoa), Indonesia; Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan; and for the first time in NCL history Seoul (Incheon), South Korea.
Cruises range in length from 10 to 14 days with an average of less than two sea days per sailing, inviting guests to enjoy up to 13.5 hours in iconic destinations like Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, as well as extended overnight stays in places that come alive at night, such as Phuket, Thailand; Osaka, Japan; and Bali (Benoa), Indonesia.
The new draft National Tourism Policy augurs well for rapid development of cruise tourism in India as it includes cruise tourism-friendly policies and the government’s plan to open 111 waterways in the country. Indira Banerjee, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Antara River Cruises, spoke to ETTravelWorld about the company’s approach to enhancing the cruise experience and its commitment to sustainability.
The brand will also make its first calls to Manila, Boracay, Palawan and Salomague, Philippines; Bintan Island, Indonesia; and Hualien, Taiwan, NCL shared in a statement.“Today is a celebratory moment, as we return to Asia with Norwegian Jewel’s arrival to Tokyo,” said David J. Herrera, President, Norwegian Cruise Line. “We pride ourselves in delivering the best vacation experience and providing endless opportunities for our guests to explore the world, including Asia. This region delivers some of the most intriguing history, cuisine, and culture for travelers to discover, and we are thrilled to deliver a diverse selection of port-rich voyages. This market is important to us, and we are committed to servicing it in the long term,” he said.
Underlying the brand’s commitment to Asia, both as a source market and destination, NCL shared that it will have a record four ships deployed in the region during the 2024/25 season, providing travelers with unrivalled choice.
In addition to Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Spirit, Sun and Sky will also visit the area’s most diverse ports, offering guests the opportunity to explore iconic and less discovered destinations including Japan, Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam, Philippines and Malaysia, the company shared.
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On September 27, boutique hospitality chain in India, Brij Hotels, opened its newest retreat, Brij Anayra, in Dharamshala, marking the brand’s 8th property in India and its second resort in Himachal Pradesh.
The brand has been on an expansion spree with it developing three sites in north India, the other two being in Bhowali, Nainital (Uttarakhand) and Bandhavgarh (Madhya Pradesh).
“Brij Anayra is a 161-year-old heritage property, spread over 10 acres of lush green landscape with 12 well-appointed suites and rooms. The Bowali property – Brij Atmanya – is a 12-key property, about 25 minutes drive from Bhimtal and Naini lake and the Bandhavgarh property is to be an 8-key property set in almost 20 acres of land with 5,000 trees,” shared Anant Kumar, co-founder, Brij Hotels.
As part of its destination stewardship efforts, Hilton has launched a ranger academy program to increase the pool of qualified rangers in Sri Lanka, offering meaningful employment and conservation opportunities for the local community. The program, conducted by a Field Guides Association of Southern Africa-certified trainer, may provide successful graduates with employment opportunities at Hilton Yala Resort.
A bespoke luxury segment from the well-established hospitality brand, Clarks Hotels and Hotels, Brij Hotels is driven by local experiences. “We are looking at building only 50 assets in India over the next five years,” said Kumar defining the brand vision. “And, those 50 assets could be achieved in two years or in five, there is no set timeline. We are not in a hurry,” he said.“But each asset has to speak for itself. It has to speak for the locality and basically ‘Brijwasis’. Every experience at Brij hotels must be better than the other,” he added.
Having hosted the likes of Jeff Bezos, Tony Robbins, Hillary Clinton, Gerard Butler, Brooke Shields (to name a few), the brand has already carved a niche for itself in bespoke experiences.
“For business, we follow two models – either we take the assets on variable lease or on management. We do not do Franchise,” stated Kumar, who founded this company along with his brother Udit Kumar in 2021.
“Brij hospitality is an asset light company. We prefer to be in total control of the asset. So, most of our assets will be on variable lease,” he shared. The brand has a very strong footprint in Rajasthan with properties in Kukas, Pali, Jawai, Bikaner and Jaipur. Brij Bageecha in Kukas makes for a perfect weekend getaway from Delhi and Jaipur and is an all villa pet friendly resort.
“We truly believe that luxury is intimate. And therefore, each location caters to a different target audience. Our Jawai and Bandhavgarh properties are meant for nature lovers and Varanasi or Bikaner properties would appeal to those looking to explore local culture. What we focus on is to add on to the local experiences and give something that our guests have never experienced before,” said Kumar.
For marketing, direct promotions have worked the best for Brij Hotels. “The highest producing domestic travel agent for us is our own website. 20% of our online business is coming to us through our website,” said Kumar, adding, “But soon, we will be launching our own experiences app.”
Within India, most of these bookings are from Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. “Currently, most bookings are coming from up north plus Mumbai, since most of our properties are in the north,” he shared. Internationally, the USA is number one, UK is number two and Europe is third in terms of inbound bookings.
Going forward, the brand is typically looking to develop properties around the beaches to fit in the seasonality mix. “We are looking at a few properties in Goa. And, because we are typically doing smaller sized assets, we would like to do 3-4 properties in the same customer segment/region,” he shared.
Beyond India, Brij Hotels has set its eyes on regional expansion mainly in south Asia. “We are building a hotel in Pokhara, which is due to open in 2025. That would be one of the most beautiful assets,” he said.
“Likewise we are also looking at Bhutan and Sri Lanka. We are well aware of our strengths and would like to build on the same. For us, our guest is as important as the community that we engage with locally. The idea is to build a sustainable product that would be remembered as different and special,” he concluded.
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