Kahini Chakraborty – Mumbai
Mumbai-based Griffon, a reputed outbound operator and the India representative of Pullmantur Cruises in India, is working on educating Indian travellers about cruising holiday options. Pullmantur Cruises, the Spanish cruise company operating cruises in Europe and the Carribbean, recently had a Bollywood movie shot onboard. Apart from targeting Bollywood, the cruise company is looking at targeting television and regional movies too. Vivek Jain, managing director, Griffon said, “Cruise tourism is developing steadily in India. Even though there is fair bit of understanding of what cruises are, an average Indian traveller does not know what to expect from a cruise liner completely. Hence there is a need to educate travellers about cruising holiday options. It is the most cost effective holiday option for MICE and wedding segments, apart from families and groups. Our company has been in the cruising business since over 15 years. India is still a very small market in the cruising business worldwide.” Post the movie, the company has been receiving more number of enquiries by travellers. “We are expecting 20-30 per cent business growth this year,” mentioned Jain.
He informed, “Through the movie Dil Dhadakne Do, directed by Zoya Akhtar, the onboard amenities, alike a five-star hotel that a tourist can enjoy at a nominal cost was showcased. The cruise ship stops at several ports and the tourist can visit many countries without the hassle of packing, repacking and waiting at the airports. The movie showcases various areas of the ship like restaurants and bars, huge lobby areas with glass lifts, auditoriums where one can see different shows/ plays, swimming pools and open decks. The movie also shows the hospital facilities available on the ship in case of any emergency.