The month of March brings with it a reasonable exodus of tour operators who have their business interests well defined in the Indian inbound space, as ITB Berlin opens up the gates for business, networking, relationship building or creating and identifying new markets for India inbound. Along with the inbound counterparts, those focused on the outbound pie also find merit in meandering across the length and breath of ITB identifying new destinations and businesses. I vividly recollect the response given to me by Portugal and Cyprus Tourism way back in 2007, ‘the Indian market is not a part of our plan’ was a the rather stoic reply. Cut to 2013-14 and the picture has changed and statements are worded. Countries who did not find India as a potential business zone are now working with a focused strategy to get their share of the market.
Back on the home turf, the 11th ATOAI convention is all set to stand true to its word, of hosting a convention in a format that reflects adventure all the way. From river rafting, to trekking, to nature trails, the convention plans to address serious concerns of adventure tourism in the outdoors. Uttarakhand is the destination that will witness all the action as the association has decided to reactivate adventure tourism in the region after the catastrophe that hit last year.
The business of travel is definitely shifting into moving from generic to niche and the time has come to find your calling. Survival will depend on in-depth product knowledge and giving your client that something extra. Those who do not get their focus right may, sooner or later either phase out from the business or adopt the M&A route, which recently witnessed action in the trade. Apart from three prominent M&As which were in the news, there are speculations of two prominent companies namely Orbitz and Travel Optionz coming together to strengthen their business portfolio. Our cover story this issue also focuses on specialist tours into the world of music, arts and dance. It’s all about finding your own niche and being a master in it.
Reema Lokesh
Editor
