Ark’s next big ‘Dream’ bash in 2018

Ark Travels has announced that it plans to host a bigger ‘Big Bang Nautical Fiesta’ next year on Dream Cruises to thank its travel partners as well as showcase Asia’s biggest luxury ship yet.

HAZEL JAIN FROM SINGAPORE

Ark Travels, the preferred sales agent for Star Cruises in India, recently hosted its annual get-together titled ‘Big Bang Nautical Fiesta’, from August 13-16, 2017, onboard SuperStar Gemini. More than 400 travel partners were hosted for this event, who came from all over India including smaller cities like Indore, Surat, Rajkot Raipur, Nagpur, Solapur, Kolhapur, Ludhiana, Agra, Banaras, Aurangabad and Karimnagar near Hyderabad. The three-night itinerary included Singapore-Penang-Port Klang-Singapore.

Kishan Biyani, Managing Director, Ark Travels, says, “The first of these annual events, which was held at Lavasa, lasted for 2 days; the one held this year on Gemini continued for 3 days; and next year, it would perhaps be for 5 days on Dream. This event is to say thank you to all our partners. We started nine years ago and with their support we have grown tremendously over the years. We had agents who have done just one or two bookings with us till now. But after experiencing this ship, I have converted them into a long-lasting partner. An agent selling one cabin is as important to me as the one selling 300. This is how business grows. When we go and meet agents, we don’t show them the itineraries. We tell them how to sell a cruise.”Ark Travels is keen on doing more and more charters for the India market. Explaining this, Biyani adds, “This event was to showcase not just the cruising experience but also to show our partners what charters can offer. Charters deliver more value to customers at almost the same price. Next year you will see a lot of charters coming in, in co-operation with Star Cruises from Bangkok and Malaysia which will be a three-night itinerary.”

Ark Travels is keen on doing more and more charters for the India market. Explaining this, Biyani adds, “This event was to showcase not just the cruising experience but also to show our partners what charters can offer. Charters deliver more value to customers at almost the same price. Next year you will see a lot of charters coming in, in co-operation with Star Cruises from Bangkok and Malaysia which will be a three-night itinerary.”

“The first of these annual events, which was held at Lavasa, lasted for 2 days; the one held this year on Gemini continued for 3 days; and next year, it would perhaps be for 5 days on Dream. This event is to say thank you to all our partners” – Kishan Biyani, Managing Director, Ark Travels

Through this event, Ark Travels wanted to showcase a different experience on a ship that charters can offer–multiple entertainment options such as Indian Idol night and DJ party at multiple venues. For the forthcoming travel season, Ark Travels will also focus on promoting other Star Cruises ships like SuperStar Libra (ex-Port Klang) and SuperStar Virgo (ex-Shanghai).

Speaking about these products, Biyani adds, “The flexibility that Star Cruises offers is unbelievable especially for a last-minute market like India. There is still a lot of potential for Singapore and Malaysia cruises for the India market. Gemini is currently doing 100 percent occupancy. I see 100 percent growth from India market in 2018. Not double-digit, but triple-digit growth. This will mostly come from MICE.”

What they have to say

Michael Goh, Senior VP (Sales), Genting Cruise Line

Nine years ago, this man came to us and said that he will become one of our top supporters in a year’s time. He has stayed true to his words. He has charisma, sincerity and lot of determination.

Naresh Rawal, VP Sales (India , South Asia, Russia, Middle east and South Africa), Star Cruises

His participation is whole-hearted whether it is creating policies for agents or selling our products or training partners. Instead of picking 40 destinations around the globe, he has narrowed it down to what he really wants to sell.