The campaign aims to instill aspiration among Indian travellers and establish a loyal customer base with travel agencies based on the total number of passengers booked within the specified timeline. Scheduled to run for four months, from February to June 2024, the campaign seeks to capitalise on the growing interest in travel to Kenya among Indian tourists.
[ad_2]
Source link ]]>
The 11th edition of the Arab Aviation Summit (AAS) concluded in Ras Al Khaimah, highlighting the imperative for strategic investments in technology, sustainability, and a skilled workforce to ensure the aviation industry’s resilience and growth in the face of evolving challenges.
Themed ‘Exploring the Future of Travel’, the two-day summit brought together key stakeholders from the aviation and tourism sectors to deliberate on pressing issues and opportunities shaping the Middle East aviation market, known for its rapid expansion.
Discussions at the summit revolved around sustainable growth, technological innovations, and the role of aviation in economic development. Participants emphasized the importance of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in steering the industry towards a greener future and addressed the critical need to bridge the skills gap amid soaring travel demands.
Day 1 focused on emerging technologies driving aviation transformations and the potential for advanced air mobility to enhance tourism experiences in the MENA region. Additionally, experts underscored the influential role of Middle Eastern airlines in setting global trends and reshaping consumer travel behavior.
Raki Phillips, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, highlighted Ras Al Khaimah’s emergence as a tourism hotspot, attributing its success to investments in air connectivity, tourism infrastructure, and sustainability initiatives. He emphasized the significance of the Unified GCC Tourist Visa in promoting seamless travel experiences.
Recent data reveals that over 30 per cent of Indian travellers prefer Middle East destinations, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia topping the list. India stands as Dubai’s primary source market, with 1.9 million visitors recorded in the first 10 months of 2023. Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, aims to welcome 7.5 million visitors by 2030.
Adel Ali, CEO, Air Arabia, stressed the aviation and tourism industry’s pivotal role in economic growth and job creation, calling for collaborative efforts to address sustainability challenges. Abdul Wahab Teffaha, Secretary General of the Arab Air Carriers Organisation, underscored the need for supportive policies and digitalisation to foster industry resilience.Julia Simpson, President & CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council, urged stakeholders to prioritise sustainability and regulatory frameworks conducive to sustainable aviation. The panel also discussed the importance of aircraft leasing in driving sectoral growth and financial flexibility.
Hosted in collaboration with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and supported by global industry partners, AAS 2024 provided a platform for dialogue and collaboration to navigate the aviation industry’s future challenges and opportunities.
[ad_2]
Source link
In a recent briefing by Manisha Saxena, Director General of Tourism, Govt of India, attention was drawn to a notable decrease in the budget allocation for overseas tourism promotion, which had sparked concerns within the industry recently. Saxena, however, clarified that while there appears to be a reduction in this specific budgetary segment, the overall financial commitment to tourism promotions has, in fact, increased.
“This reallocation is part of a strategic initiative by the ministry aimed at streamlining our promotional efforts in response to the evolving digital landscape. Our objective is to bridge the gap between domestic and overseas promotion activities effectively. We intend to conduct highly targeted promotional campaigns in both traditional and emerging markets. This approach will enable us to better understand market trends and preferences, ensuring that our promotional efforts resonate with our target audiences,” she explained.
Recently, during the interim budget announcement, the Indian Finance minister highlighted the government’s aim to enhance domestic travel while cultivating new tourist spots within India, improving connectivity and infrastructure enhancements in places like Lakshadweep. However, contrasting this, a mere sum of INR 3 crore was allocated for the promotion of India overseas through its ‘Incredible India’ campaign.
Speaking further, Saxena attributed part of the budget reduction in overseas promotion to the consolidation of overseas offices, emphasising a more streamlined and efficient engagement with diplomatic missions worldwide. This decision, she said, is aligned with the ministry’s broader strategy of maximising outreach through diplomatic missions. Notably, the ministry of tourism last year, had to shut its overseas offices bringing the number down from 20 to 8.
A few industry stakeholders dealing in the inbound tourism business, have noted that this drastic 97 per cent reduction from last year’s INR 100 crore allocation has marginalised the acclaimed Incredible India campaign, especially its overseas promotion and market development efforts. Taking a look at the figures on the other hand, the Ministry of Tourism has increased the FY25 budget estimate to INR 2,080.03 crore, up by 22 per cent from last year’s actual expenditure of INR 1,692 crore. The bulk of this, INR 1,750 crore, is designated for the Swadesh Darshan scheme, aiding state governments in tourism infrastructure development since 2014-15, as per a source. “Over the past five to ten years, significant strides have been made in infrastructure development, as part of initiatives like the Swadesh Darshan scheme. Concurrently, efforts have enhanced spiritual tourism and capacity building for tourism providers under the Prashad Scheme. These initiatives have resulted in the creation of new tourism products, such as adventure and rural tourism experiences. Dhordo’s recognition as the Best Tourism Village by the UNWTO has been a highlight, prompting the initiation of a similar competition by the Ministry of Tourism. Last year, 35 villages were identified as exemplary tourism destinations, with the competition now in its second season, drawing numerous entries,” she added.
At the launch ceremony at The Ashok Hotel in New Delhi, ITDC Managing Director MR Synrem said that they are actively seeking new business opportunities while enhancing its current verticals to build on the momentum of its record financial performance last fiscal year. “We aim not only to expand but also to elevate our existing services, exploring new avenues for ITDC’s growth as a company,” he said.
150 proposals received for destination development under challenge mode:
Amidst these discussions, Saxena also shared the updates on the domestic tourism front, revealing a surge in proposals from state governments for the development of destinations under challenge mode which was initiated under last year’s budget announcement.“We have received an overwhelming response, with nearly 150 proposals submitted by the states,” she disclosed. “Out of these, we are set to identify and develop 50 destinations, ensuring a comprehensive enhancement across all touchpoints of the tourist experience.”
Adding to that, Saxena underscored the pivotal role of hosting G20 meetings across 60 locations, venues which have helped spotlighting lesser-known facets of the country. “The extensive coverage of G20 events across 60 venues has significantly bolstered India’s global presence,” she affirmed. “Not only have we witnessed the emergence of state-of-the-art conferencing facilities, but also substantial capacity building efforts and the creation of unique tourism experiences, along with more convention centres and accommodation facilities lined up for launch.”
“This progress positions these locales for substantial growth in the tourism sector, especially in MICE. Initiatives such as establishing city-level bureaus for MICE tourism and promoting India as a premier wedding destination further underscore the commitment to expanding tourism opportunities and driving economic growth,” she stated reflecting on PM Modi’s aspiration to position India as a premier wedding destination on the global stage.
Parellely, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in collaboration with key stakeholders including Convention Centers, hotel chains, IRCTC, and the India Convention Promotion Bureau, recently participated in the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) held in Melbourne, Australia. The aim was to bolster efforts to position India as a leading MICE destination in the Asia Pacific region.
Last mile connectivity, engagement with locals matter:
Beyond infrastructure, the ministry is also focusing on capacity building and promoting experiential tourism which involves active engagement of locals, she added. “For us in government and industry, it’s not just about promoting destinations. I always stress the importance of last mile connectivity. This means more than just having digital or transportation links—it’s about building up the skills and knowledge of the local workforce,” she said.
“Tourism isn’t just about popular spots anymore. Therefore, engaging local communities in delivering authentic and lesser known experiences not only enhances economic opportunities but also preserves intangible heritage. By fostering collaboration and innovation, we’re creating a tourism landscape that is inclusive, sustainable, and rich in diverse experiences,” she added.
Saxena, while addressing the tourism and hospitality industry stakeholders at the recently held PATA Tourism Powerhouse programme, also called for unity in addressing the challenges confronting the tourism sector, emphasising the imperative of collective action in realising India’s tourism potential. “By aligning our efforts and leveraging our collective strengths, both the industry and government can propel India’s tourism industry to greater heights. We have just touched the tip of the iceberg,” she concluded.
[ad_2]
Source link
The Mahindra Group has revealed significant leadership appointments across its businesses, showcasing a commitment to leveraging top internal talent for key roles. Manoj Bhat, currently serving as Group Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed as the Managing Director & CEO of Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited (MHRIL), effective May 17, 2024. This appointment follows Kavinder Singh’s decision to embark on a new professional journey, effective May 16, 2024.
Amarjyoti Barua, who presently holds the position of Executive Vice President – Group Strategy, will transition to lead the Mahindra Group’s Finance Organisation as the Group Chief Financial Officer, also effective May 17, 2024.
Dr Anish Shah, Group CEO & Managing Director of M&M, emphasised the Mahindra Group’s dedication to talent development, highlighting the organization’s robust development programs and career mapping initiatives. He expressed gratitude for Kavinder Singh’s contributions to MHRIL and the Mahindra Group, while welcoming Manoj Bhat’s leadership, which aligns with the group’s Rise philosophy.
In line with the group’s talent development strategy, further rotations of key finance talent are planned. Effective May 1, 2024, Vimal Agarwal, the current CFO of Mahindra Lifespaces Developers Ltd. (MLDL), will transition to the role of CFO for MHRIL, succeeded by Avinash Bapat as the CFO of Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd. (MLDL).
With extensive experience in the travel and hospitality sector, Machado brings a wealth of knowledge to Sabre, having previously served in various leadership roles within the industry. In an exclusive conversation with ETTravelWorld, Machado highlighted trends he sees in the marketplace, Sabre’s plans, and what agencies need to be thinking about to harness India’s huge tourism industry growth.
Kavinder Singh, who joined the Mahindra Group in 2014 as Managing Director and CEO of MHRIL, focused on elevating MHRIL into a world-class vacation ownership company during his tenure.Manoj Bhat, who moved to M&M in April 2021 from Tech Mahindra, brings a wealth of leadership experience and value creation skills to his new role. As Group CFO, he played a pivotal role in leading the group’s Finance Leadership Team and contributing to Tech Mahindra’s growth initiatives.
Amarjyoti Barua, who joined the Mahindra Group in May 2023, has demonstrated expertise in strategic leadership, previously holding roles at Baker Hughes and GE, where he spearheaded financial and operational transformations.
[ad_2]
Source link
Sabre Corporation, a global technology leader powering the travel industry, has appointed Sam Machado as the new Managing Director for the India market. With extensive experience in the travel and hospitality sector, Machado brings a wealth of knowledge to Sabre, having previously served in various leadership roles within the industry. His return to Sabre marks a significant milestone as the company reinforces its commitment to driving innovation and customer success in the region.
In an exclusive conversation with ETTravelWorld, Machado highlighted trends he sees in the marketplace, Sabre’s plans, and what agencies need to be thinking about to harness India’s huge tourism industry growth.
Vision for growth
Machado’s professional journey in the travel industry has been characterised by continuous growth and a deep understanding of market dynamics. Having previously joined Sabre in 2011 and later progressing to lead sales across the Asia Pacific region, Sam’s decision to rejoin Sabre stems from his belief in the company’s vision to be the most valued technology platform in travel. He expresses his excitement about returning to India and South Asia, where he began his journey with Sabre and forged lifelong connections.
“In the dynamic and ever-evolving Indian market, there are immense growth possibilities, I’m thrilled to be back at Sabre, where I can make a significant positive impact on our customers’ businesses and the wider travel ecosystem,” he mentioned.
Focus areas and responsibilities
As the Managing Director for India, Machado will lay special emphasis on a customer-centric approach, with a primary focus on supporting both online and brick-and-mortar agency customers. He underscores Sabre’s commitment to providing innovative technology solutions that anticipate future trends and meet the evolving needs of travellers and agencies alike.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that our innovative technology solutions are at the forefront of the digital transformation happening across the travel marketplace. We aim to leverage strategic partnerships, enhanced customer relations, and relentless pursuit of technology-driven solutions to propel Sabre’s growth and presence in the region,” Machado explained.
Navigating market dynamics & unlocking growth opportunities
The new Sabre India MD identifies the Indian travel marketplace as one of the most dynamic and exciting markets globally. With predictions indicating India’s rise as the fourth largest spender on travel by 2030, there are significant opportunities for growth. To navigate these changes, Machado emphasises the importance of understanding the unique needs of diverse clientele and providing them with the necessary tools and expertise to capitalize on this growth.
“We focus on providing our travel agency partners with the necessary tools and expertise to capitalise on this growth. Our strategic partnerships, like the one with Air India, showcase our commitment to aligning with local market needs.”
Facilitating digital transformation & enhancing customer experience
Sabre’s commitment to digital transformation is evident in its comprehensive suite of AI-powered microservices and automation tools designed to enhance customer success. Sam emphasises Sabre’s role in facilitating digital transformation within the travel sector in India, highlighting the importance of reducing manual work and enabling better business decision-making through advanced technology solutions.
“Through everything we’ve been talking about! It’s about bringing our technological transformation and our customer-centric approach together with our advanced solutions and our deep expertise in the market. It’s through working with our technology partners and our travel partners across the entire travel ecosystem. We’re proud to sit at the beating heart of the travel ecosystem and we take that responsibility very seriously, giving us countless opportunities to create positive momentum not just for Sabre but for our customers and their travellers,” he said.
As the travel landscape continues to evolve, the sector leaders are bullish about sustained and growing demand for experiential travel. Travelers, driven by a desire for genuine connections and transformative encounters, are expected to shape the industry’s future, according to Suresh Rangarajan, Founder & CEO of Colive.
Growth plans for 2024 and beyond
Machado feels that 2024 is a pivotal year for technological transformation at Sabre. “This will be the year we fully complete our move to the Cloud. We’re on schedule and right on the cusp of being completely migrated to the Google Cloud. We went into that tech transformation to deliver all sorts of benefits and capabilities for Sabre and the travel industry at large – to reduce costs, unlock greater efficiencies and capabilities, and enhance our ability to deliver transformative products and services at speed for the wider travel ecosystem,” he mentioned.
He further added that the company now have 100 per cent of Sabre agency and airline shopping in the Cloud, which is giving them greater scalability to meet the needs of their regional and global partners. “Our data scientists, engineers and travel technology experts from Sabre and Google are working together every day and our team in Bangalore has been involved in regular hackathons and tech talks to solve real-life challenges and provide platforms to share ideas as we work together to reshape the future of travel.”
This year, Sabre in India will be working with their customers to support its own digital transformation. The company has a range of products and solutions, including booking tools, APIs and automation products, that significantly reduce manual work and allow agents to operate online and from mobile devices, allowing them to service customers better and in more ways.
“We anticipate greater and greater demand for these products as agencies transform from traditional to hybrid models. In the years to come, we expect to see more and more unique content offerings that will provide opportunities for growth, but also complexity in adoption. Fortunately, with Sabre Red 360 and our unique marketplace, Sabre is best positioned to solve for this complexity and ensure our customers continue to have access to the widest breadth of content and seamless workflow,” Machado further said while talking about strategic vision for the Indian market.
How can Sabre support travel agencies?
While answering the question on agencies’ perspective on harnessing growth potential of the tourism industry and how Sabre can support travel agencies in adopting to the evolving needs of the market, Machado said agencies need to ensure they have the right technology to compete in the complex travel landscape of today and tomorrow, and what is vital is that they start from the back to the front.
“They need to start with what they want to achieve so we can help them get there. They need to be thinking about both automation and innovation. It’s vital they can increase efficiencies by replacing repetitive, manual tasks with automation, which is why we’re seeing such interest in our Automation Hub and TicketExpress, and Automated Exchanges and Automated Refunds. By reducing time spent on back-end tasks, agencies can focus more on their customers and future business strategy,” he suggested.
Agencies also need to ensure they aren’t passive bystanders in the new world of offer-and-order. The travel industry is on the brink of a seismic shift, driven by tech innovation and a new wave of consumer demand. So, for travel agencies looking to up their game, the time for introspection is now. Modern travel retailing is not just about selling flight tickets from Point A to Point B, but about improving the entire journey from dreaming about a trip to landing back home. Airlines are already adopting a model of offers and orders in which NDC lets airlines offer personalized bundles.
Message to industry stakeholders
Sharing a message of collaboration, innovation, and shared success to industry stakeholders, clients, and partners, Machado expressed his excitement about the journey ahead and reaffirmed Sabre’s commitment to driving innovation and contributing to the growth and success of the travel industry in India and South Asia.
“With collaboration and innovation, we can navigate the evolving landscape, unlock new possibilities, and reshape the future of travel in India and South Asia. I’m so excited about the journey ahead and look forward to working closely with all of our stakeholders to achieve our collective goals. Together, we can navigate the evolving landscape, unlock new possibilities, and reshape the future of travel in India and South Asia,” he concluded.
As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, embracing data-driven personalization is not just a trend but a fundamental strategy for success. Haninder Sachdeva, Managing Director & CEO, Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts shares that from pre-booking to post-stay engagement, hotels that harness the power of data analytics and technology can create tailored, memorable experiences for their guests.
[ad_2]
Source link
In a groundbreaking move, Air India has announced the establishment of South Asia’s largest integrated aviation training academy, covering 600,000 sq ft in Gurugram, India. Concurrently, Airbus, in a 50:50 joint venture with Tata-owned Air India, revealed plans for the Tata Airbus Training Centre, a world-class pilot training facility in Gurugram, Haryana.
The academy, unveiled at Wings India 2024 in Hyderabad, will train over 50,000 aviation professionals, encompassing pilots, cabin crew, ground handling, engineering, and security staff. Over 20 Full Flight Simulator (FFS) Bays will support Airbus and Boeing fleet training, ensuring crew readiness and enhancing the overall aviation ecosystem.
Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD, Air India, emphasised the academy’s role in making India’s aviation industry self-reliant and contributing to the country’s fast-growing aviation market. “Our new training academy is a major step forward in making the Indian aviation industry more self-reliant, and to building the aviation infrastructure that India needs as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. We are delighted to be working with our partners in this journey.”
The academy will include simulators for Airbus A320 Family, A350, Boeing 777, Boeing 787, and Boeing 737 family, fostering a comprehensive training environment.
Joint Venture with Airbus
Airbus and Tata-owned Air India have joined forces in a 50:50 joint venture to launch a world-class pilot training center in Gurugram. The joint venture with Airbus to setup ‘Tata Airbus Traning Centre‘ which is due to be operational starting early 2025, marks a significant collaboration wherein Airbus contributes to equipping the training centre with 10 FFS Bays.
It is the latest in a series of troubles for Boeing, whose reputation as the premier American aircraft manufacturer has been tarnished by a series of manufacturing flaws that have led some airlines to hold off aircraft purchases or go with its European rival, Airbus.
The Tata Airbus Training Centre aims to provide A320 and A350 flight training to approximately 5,000 new pilots over the next decade. The center will house 10 Full Flight Simulators, classrooms, briefing, and debriefing rooms, fostering a comprehensive Airbus Flight Training Device setup.Approved by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the center will offer courses ensuring compliance with global aviation standards.
Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director, Airbus India and South Asia, highlighted Airbus’ commitment to developing human capital, addressing India’s need for 41,000 pilots and 47,000 technicians in the next two decades.
“The pilot training centre with Air India and the maintenance training partnership with GMR are a testament to Airbus’ commitment to developing human capital. Airbus is directly investing and operating training capabilities to ensure that the growth of the India aviation industry is accompanied by adequate skilled manpower that is readily available,” he said.
Airbus is also partnering with GMR Aero Technic to provide Aircraft Maintenance Engineering training courses in Hyderabad.
[ad_2]
Source link
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.
[ad_2]
Source link
In a significant move towards diversification, EaseMyTrip.com, one of India’s leading online travel platforms, has recently acquired a non-controlling stake of approximately 13 per cent in Eco Hotels and Resorts, a BSE-listed entity operating in the hotel and hospitality industry.
Eco Hotels and Resorts, known for its commitment to environmentally friendly practices, operates carbon net zero hotels, aligning seamlessly with EaseMyTrip’s vision to broaden its portfolio and promote sustainability within the hospitality sector.
This strategic investment not only signifies EaseMyTrip’s foray into the eco-friendly segment of the hospitality industry but also opens avenues for collaboration between the two companies. Discussions are underway to explore various areas of cooperation, extending beyond hotel operations to air and non-air businesses catering to customers on the EaseMyTrip.com platform and its subsidiaries.
Nishant Pitti, Co-Founder, and CEO of EaseMyTrip, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to announce our association and strategic decision to invest in Eco Hotels and Resorts Limited, reflecting EaseMyTrip’s commitment to sustainable and responsible business practices. Our choice to invest aligns with our vision to contribute positively to the growth of eco-friendly and green hotels. This investment marks another milestone in our journey to diversify our portfolio and enhance the travel experiences we offer to our customers. By fostering environmentally conscious initiatives, we aim to shape the future of the travel and hospitality industry positively.”V K Tripathi, Executive Chairman of Eco Hotels and Resorts, emphasised the shared commitment to redefine India’s hospitality landscape through sustainability, advanced construction technology, and bold expansion strategies. He stated, “This strategic association between EaseMyTrip.com and Eco Hotels and Resorts Limited may turn out to be a game-changer as such synergy is hardly seen in the hospitality sector.”
Hotel-X integrates with major Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), such as Booking.com, MakeMyTrip, Agoda, Goibibo, Airbnb, Expedia, Yatra, ClearTrip, and more. Utilizing AI and ML algorithms, it accelerates revenue maximization through rate optimization, increased sales channels, and stress-free management for hotel owners and managers. Within three months of deployment, Hotel X users reported a 50 per cent increase in revenue and earnings.
[ad_2]
Source link
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.
[ad_2]
Source link
Home stay and boutique resort player Seclude is bullish about its expansion in several parts of the country as the company envisions new properties in Northeast regions, Rajasthan and parts of South India. The company which runs affordable luxury villas in off-beat locations, recently opened a new 12-bedroom retreat in Kasauli, its 4th property in the city.
In an exclusive interview with ETTravelWorld, Ramit Sethi, Co-Founder of Seclude Hotels Home Style, shares insights into the brand’s unique positioning in the hospitality industry, its entrepreneurial journey, and its commitment to customer satisfaction, personalisation, sustainability, and growth.
Sharing his vision for Seclude, Sethi said that they want to be the largest Indian player in homestays and small boutique properties and turn them into hotel home style. “We have grown leaps and bounds since our inception and our aim is to grow to 500 rooms by 2027,” he said. Seclude currently has an inventory of more than 120 rooms.
It started with a simple dream; to own a home in the mountains where one can rest peacefully, and
now, this dream has cascaded into a booming business. Seclude started with a humble beginning in
2010, where each house was built by Seclude’s Founder, Rohit Sethi, brick by brick.
In 2018, Ramit Sethi joined the fray and Seclude 2.0 came into existence. With his guidance,
seclude expanded at an exponential rate. Equipped with the knowledge gained from the first few
homes built, Seclude began to take on more homes that were in direct need of some tender loving care.
Keeping up with an ever-growing portfolio was a constant challenge for Seclude as the company aim to keep each room and each space different from each other’s.
Distinctive brand approach
During the conversation, Sethi emphasised on the brand’s distinctive approach, stating, “Rather than being a standard hotel-type accommodation, Seclude categorises itself as a company that offers its guests one-of-a-kind boutique Resorts & Villas. Simply put, we are hotels, home style.”
Sethi also reflected on Seclude’s entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the brand’s growth and expansion plans. He notes, “One of our key differentiators is that we take on iconic homes, redesign them with the help of our in-house team of experts, and operate the properties to elevate guests’ experience.”
From opening a single flower shop in 1994 to owning a Unicorn that has occupied space in wedding venues, online gifting, media, funeral services and much more, Ferns N Petals’ Udman Hotels now wants to offer the luxury of staying with them. Presently focusing on Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Goa, the company envisions adding ten hotels annually in the next five years.
Sethi also discussed overcoming challenges, including the paradigm shift to an asset-lite model and the importance of maintaining consistent quality standards across all properties. He credits Seclude’s in-house team for adapting to changing customer requirements and ensuring uniqueness across their 120+ rooms.
In the context of a dynamic digital landscape, Seclude leverages technology to enrich guest experiences and streamline operations. Sethi mentions the virtual walkthrough feature, a tool that offers guests insights into the property. The brand’s website optimisation and software integrations, such as WATI and Lead Squared, contribute to a seamless and efficient operational framework.
Balancing luxury and affordability
Seclude also actively contributes to local communities by hiring local artisans and engaging local vendors to promote economic sustainability. The brand focuses on upcycling and employs eco-friendly practices, such as using seed-infused pencils and reusable glass water bottles. Motion sensor lights and water-saving initiatives further underscore Seclude’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Addressing the perception of luxury associated with Seclude, Sethi explained the brand’s strategy of offering various room categories to cater to diverse customer requirements. By breaking down luxury into accessible offerings, Seclude positions itself as an affordable luxury option. Sethi emphasises the brand’s versatility, stating, “If one would like to stay like the maharaja’s, Seclude Nahan Bantony cottage is the place to be, or you can escape to the Seclude Beach House if one is looking for a romantic getaway.”
[ad_2]
Source link