Mohit Rathod – Mumbai
Mumbai-based Namaste Tourism recently conducted a travel trade workshop for Hungary in Mumbai, to promote the various destinations of Central and Southern Europe in the India market. The workshop was also attended by Dr Norbert Revai-Bere, consul general, Consulate General of Hungary, Mumbai; Bollywood actor Yusuf Hussain; and Mehmet Akay, general manager, Southern and Western India, Turkish Airlines.
Speaking about the destination, Revai-Bere said, “History, infrastructure and cultural offerings are among the key points in tourism promotion for Hungary. We have much more to offer and I urge the Indian travel fraternity to explore Central and Southern Europe.”
Since the Consulate General of Hungary commenced Visa issuance last year, the number of visas issued to Indian travellers has grown three-fold. Hungary also has a contract with VFS for visa processing.
“Namaste Tourism is planning to approach promoting the destinations of Central and Southern Europe through Hungary by organising such workshops on a regular basis for the members of the travel trade and giving them recommendations on putting together unique itineraries that they can offer to their client base as per their niche segment of specialisation – MICE, luxury holidays, FITs or group departures,” commented Subhash Motwani, founder and director, Namaste Tourism, who shared various itineraries with the travel partners.
Alongside the workshops, Hungary is also banking upon film tourism to the region. Revai-Bere added, “Being in Mumbai, we have a good reach to Bollywood and I urge film producers to shoot in Hungary. The film industry has a key influence on growth in the number of travellers. We are also going to hire more human resource at the consulate to improve efficiency in visa processing.”
The capital of Hungary, Budapest, is presently well connected by Turkish Airlines, through its hub in Istanbul.
