SOTC To Promote Novel Destinations In 2004

Charmaine Fernz - Mumbai

Mahesh Shirodkar

The Indian outbound market is at an all time high, which is clearly manifested in the increasing outbound tourist numbers which amounts to an approximate 15-20 per cent increase last year. Consequently, this elevated trend is fast catching up with the travel fraternity especially the outbound tour operators, who are all upbeat about the forthcoming season. In lieu with the optimistic scenario, Mahesh Shirodkar, chief operating officer, SOTC - Kuoni India's Outbound Division, who a short while ago joined the Kuoni family has a quite a few initiatives lined up for the coming year.

"The outbound market has a lot of potential especially in the FIT segment within both the international and domestic sector. Of late, the market is also witnessing a lot of buoyancy and there are new avenues opening up in the ASEAN region. In that regard, we are looking at introducing new markets like China, Vietnam, Europe - Buddhapest, Czech countries and Russia and Pakistan."

There is also a general feeling that innovation rules the roost. This sentiment pertains to tour operators as well who have brought in novel ideas to cater to community-based tourism. As Shirodkar puts it, "India is a community-based country and we cannot ignore that fact. In that regard, we did introduce the 'Vishwa Darpan' packages that catered to the Hindi speaking communities and also packages that catered to the Maharashtrain community in 2003. Subsequently in 2004, we have introduced 'Gurjar' that caters to the Gujarati speaking community who are undoubtedly the most well travelled of all communities. In future, we plan to launch a brochure that caters to the South Indian market. We also are looking at the school segment in a big way, as it is a budding sector."

Having comprehended the well laid out strategies and plans for the industry, Shirodkar add, "On the company front, we intend to incorporate an HR policy, wherein we conduct in-house training programmes across all divisions. In so doing, we prepare our staff to cater to every customer's need. The company also has take over plans in the pipeline, but, would at present like to enhance their market share where all segments are concerned."