To focus on organising training programmes for its frontline staff
Archana Sharma – New Delhi
With India ranking among the top 10 source markets for Canada, the Canada Tourism Commission (CTC) is focusing on Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Hyderabad apart from the two key markets of Delhi and Mumbai. According to Siobhan Chretien, regional managing director, emerging markets, CTC, “The Tier-II market of Ahmedabad is showing growth following the visit by CTC. We will be holding training activities regularly in emerging markets of Tier-II cities such as Lucknow, Pune, Indore, Jaipur and Chandigarh, as well as Tier-III cities.”
For the next year, CTC will be focusing on organising training programmes for the frontline staff of the CTC India team from key cities. “We will be organising a roadshow from March 23-25, 2015 covering Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi,” she added. Working on a two-tier strategy, Chretien said, “We are innovating our offerings for the winter season so that we can increase traffic to the East and West coasts of Canada during the period.”
CTC also plans to add to the Canada Signature Experiences programme which was launched last year and comprised of a collection of 20 signature travel products for Indian travellers. “The list of the products to be added is currently under the pipeline but will be revealed early next year.” informed Chretien.
Last year, the destination received 1,47,000 Indian travellers and after the launch of CAN+ Visa programme, there has been an increase of 20.6 per cent in Indian visitors to Canada till July 2014 as compared to the corresponding period last year. CTC expects an eight per cent growth in arrivals to 1,97,000 from India by end of 2015.
According to Chretien, “Indians constitute of around one per cent of the Canadian population, and therefore we have seen a growth in the VFR traveller segment in the last couple of years.” Couples and families visiting the country stay for an average of 21 days and spend close to CAD 1,100 on an average, which is the lowest among other inbound markets.