TravTalk India Online Magazine
Keeping in view the demand from Indians, who are keen to explore the world for M!CE and leisure travel, the international hospitality industry is adapting to their demands. The key to success is to anticipate their requirements and provide them services to suit their needs. The leisure travellers segment is likely to change, say experts.
Janice Alyosius
With the rise in disposable income and flexible visa regulations, Indians are exploring the world for both leisure and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (M!CE) travel. Michael Hope, GM, The Westin Warsaw, believes Warsaw is benefiting from the geopolitical situation right next to Poland, leading to a lot of government business and corporate travellers coming to the city.
“The leisure traveller segment has been soft, a trend that is expected to change in the summer months. Warsaw is loosening visa curbs, making it easier for Indians to visit the city,” said Hope. “Hotels are adding value to their offerings, such as Indian breakfast items, venues in the hotel free of charge, and Tai Chi classes for conference guests. Hotels are offering perks such as extra rooms free of charge and upgrading rooms to attract more business,” he added.
Lorenzo Battaini, Director, Group Sales, Hotel Arts Barcelona, said the M!CE segment is growing in Europe due to easy visa policies, with Spain being a popular destination. “M!CE events are growing in Europe, and it is easy to get a visa for Spain compared to other Schengen nations,” Battaini stressed. Weddings are a big part of their business, and they are focusing on anticipating the guests’ needs and culinary preferences. “The hotel understands the significance of the culinary aspect of weddings and the desire for guests to experience local cuisine. Hence, we are keen on employing staff from India to provide guests with the expected service,” he said.
Augustina Tandun, Director, Sales and Marketing, Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort and Spa, said they have global sales offices in Mumbai and Bengaluru to attract more business from the Indian market. “We work with local DMC in Bali and attend B2B events to meet directly with agents in India.”
Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort and Spa offers flexible incentives based on the clients’ requirements, including discounts on hotel rooms, meeting packages, and meals. Their one-stop destination provides 208 rooms, meeting facilities, party spaces, and Biscrap, with no noise limitations for Indian groups that like to party late.
Gaide Ilyassova, Group and Leisure Sales Coordinator, The Ritz Carlton, Almaty, believes Almaty is a great location for luxury, leisure, and wedding groups, with many natural attractions. “As a destination, we offer many nature sightings, making it an ideal location for luxury, leisure, and wedding groups, M!CE groups, and events. Indians can stay for 14 days, completely visa-free. Also, the distance from Delhi by air is hardly three hours away,” Ilyassova said. The Ritz Carlton, Almaty is the lone Marriott International property in Almaty. It has a lot to offer for events, weddings, and M!CE. “We also cater to dietary preferences, offering vegan, vegetarian, and Jain options. We are promoting Almaty through Kazakhstan tourism,” she added.
The industry is adapting to the requirements of the growing demand from Indian M!CE and leisure travellers. The key to success is providing tailored services to meet the needs of clients, including dietary preferences, flexible incentives, and anticipating their needs. Destinations that can provide unique experiences and visa-free entry have an advantage in attracting Indian travellers.
