Champagne sees growth

As per industry projections, Champagne consumption will increase by more than 70% in the next three years, making the region a perfect destination for Indians.

TT Bureau

Champagne is a wine region within the historical province of Champagne in the northeast of France and is easily accessible from Paris and CDG airport in less than an hour. It is a unique destination because Champagne can only be produced here. As per industry projections, Champagne consumption will augment by more than 73 per cent in the next three years, says Romain Tilly, Promotion Manager, Champagne-Ardenne Tourisme, who believes that Champagne is a perfect destination for Indians.

“India is a growing market where it is not only important to be present, but more a mistake to be absent. We have been working closely with Atout France for this market since 2011 and we could benefit from their experience and figures to know if France receives more and more Indians year after year. For instance, approximately 6,00,000 Indians visited France last year. Currently, we do not have official figures from the French government (INSEE) concerning our region. But research conducted by Atout France indicates a real interest for our destination and a growth for selling tours in Champagne,” Tilly reveals.

We see an increasing demand from Bengaluru and Kolkata. As we are an unexplored destination for the Indian market, we have to keep promoting ourselves

Following Atout France’s recommendations, Champagne-Ardenne Tourisme started to showcase its region in Delhi and Mumbai. These two cities have been connected to Paris with Air France for many years, and it sees the best results from these. “We now see an increasing demand from Bengaluru and Kolkata too after being present in these cities. As we are an unexplored destination for the Indian market, we have to keep promoting ourselves. Nevertheless, we hope to receive more and more Indians and show them that our destination is full of rich discoveries. We would like to convince Indians to enjoy a longer stay in Champagne and also want to position ourselves as a wedding destination. After all, we are the Champagne destination and what is better to drink at a wedding party than Champagne!” Tilly exclaims.

He will be in India in September to meet travel agents at a workshop organised by Atout France in Jaipur. The region has regularly organised dinner evenings in Mumbai, along with Atout France pairing Indian delicacies with several Champagne cuvées from Michel Gonet Champagne House. “Just as the French eat more and more Indian food, Indians are also drinking more and more Champagne. So, Champagne and Indian food are made to be paired and savoured. The Champagne Committee is the partner in charge of the training and formation about Champagne in India,” Tilly adds.