SUDIPTA DEV – Mumbai
Victoria Government’s recent Super Trade Mission to India that included 14 key tourism operators and organisations, reinforced their focus on the India market. The representations ranged from popular touring routes to major tourism landmarks to hospitality and events. George Sossi, director, Great Southern Touring Route believes that air access is most important for the development of the India market. This view was echoed by many other representatives including Yann Duroselle, executive general manager, Batman’s Group hotels who asserted that a direct flight and more competitive airfare will give a boost to Indian arrivals in Melbourne. Having been engaged with the India market for the last decade, particularly catering to the FIT segment, Batman’s Group has worked with Thomas Cook and Kesari Tours among others. The four-star hotel is in central Melbourne, with apartments inside which is ideal for the family market. “Three years ago we developed a range of vegetarian menu for groups only. For the FIT, we have developed a tidy plate. We see this as a service,” said Duroselle, adding that the hotel company is very focused on the market despite the fact that in terms of all Asian segment, the Indian clientele comprises only five per cent.
Margaret Birtley, general manager, Heritage and Tourism, Melbourne Cricket Ground said that they have been actively in talks with the Indian market since the National Sports Museum opened at MCG in 2008. “That gave a new professional focus to our long standing product of MCG tours of the stadium,” she stated. In terms of new products that are tailored for the India market are – an offer in collaboration with Philip Island Nature Parks and Eureka Skydeck which gives breathtaking views of Melbourne; the ticket gives a raffle entry to win a cricket bat signed by Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne. Birtley mentioned that specific to MCG for group tours they have developed a meal package, including vegetarian set menu. Online ticketing is now also being introduced – for individuals as well as agents. “We had 4,000 Indian visitors last year, but our capacity is much more. The history of MCG is nearly as old as history of Melbourne itself. The guided tour helps visitors to understand evolution of Melbourne city as much as the development of sports. It is a cultural and sporting experience. There is also free audio tour for visitors. It is captioned for people who are hard of hearing,” she added.
Melbourne headquartered inbound tour operator, AOT inbound, opened a branch office in Mumbai a few years back. Mahesh Puttaraju, general manager – India, AOT stated, “We have branches all over the world but seeing the market growing we have opened a branch office in Mumbai that takes care of all the countries in the region.” AOT has an effective online system which is accessible by all agents.
Laura Anderson, chairman – Loreal Melbourne Fashion Festival and director of Australian Grand Prix Corporation who was visiting India the first time stated that they have a big focus on tourism – 400,000 people visit the Loreal Melbourne Fashion Festival and cultural events around it, and next year there will be an Indian strain with a dedicated runway. “The F1 in Albert Park is unlike any other Grand Prix – it is like a four day festival,” reminded Anderson, adding that she has had extensive discussions with some leading travel companies in India who promote sports tourism packages.
