A new revenue model

Kochi-based Spiceland Holidays has created a virtual wellness product that can offer B2B agents a new source of revenue in these challenging times. The company is aiming for 10,000 customers in the first phase.

Hazel Jain

Virtual products may soon become a new reality for the travel industry. Riyaz UC, Managing Director of Spiceland Holidays, has found an innovative way to survive in the COVID-19 struck industry. He has launched a seven-day virtual wellness package that is a blend of authentic Kerala Ayurvedic concepts and yoga. Riyaz explains, “People around the world are mentally and emotionally depressed right now. They want to get rejuvenated but there is no way they can travel to Kerala or any of the wellness destinations. I have created a seven-day wellness retreat that has a panel of experts who will guide people on various things such as meditation, yoga asanas, and the right diet with live cooking demonstrations. It has guaranteed results.”

Riyaz adds that this is also an opportunity for agents to earn some commission. “This product is for the global market. We are selling this package at Rs10,000 (or US$ 150) and travel agents can earn a commission of up to US$ 40 per package. This is a new source for earning revenue for them,” he says.

Spiceland Holidays is a Kochi-based destination management company and one of the largest in South India and Sri Lanka. It has partnered with Mumbai-based yoga expert Shikha Mehta, and a renowned Ayurvedic doctor, Dr Anvar, to launch this virtual wellness retreat called ‘Revitalise’ and will offer tailor-made programmes.

Riyaz adds, “We will promote the product through our business partners across India as well the rest of the
world through social media. Our initial target is 10,000 people and we hope that at least 40 per cent of them will come back for a physical wellness retreat once the pandemic is under control.”