Canadian Consulate To Set Shop In Chennai By 2004 End

Charmaine Fernz - Mumbai

The Indian outbound market has been a target to many a tourism board and Canada has been the latest entrant. In the past few months, the country has held more tourism and business-related events than one could ever imagine. There are a number of factors - the strong Indo-Canadian relationship, globalisation of the world economy including India, the ex-Indian PM's visit to the country last year etc. Though these may be a few, the fact that Canada has set its sights on the Indian outbound market, gives Indians a new arena to explore.

Explains Ping Kikone, acting consul general, consulate of Canada, "There is a growing dynamism in India, which is being recognised the world over and the meetings of the two Prime Ministers further enhanced the relationship the two countries share. In a bid to have closer bilateral ties, we have considered India a priority market in Asia and to substantiate our commitment, we are looking at setting up a Chennai office by the fall of 2004. The appointment of the Canadian Tourist Commission in Mumbai is part of the strategy to tap the potent Indian market. We will also work closely with the Commission to attain our target."

Though as part of the Consulate, tourism is not the only agenda but nonetheless, Ping adds, "Through our various events we want to project Canada in a different light. It is a multicultural community with a strong Indian presence of one million. The office in Chennai will help us understand the vast southern market as India is a huge country with varied contrasts."

Adding further Terry Francis, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Canadian Tourist Commission (CTC) said, "We want to enter the market with a product that is ready and customised to the Indian traveller. Numbers is not so much the issue as is delivering travellers to the experience that is Canada. FIT is certainly a captive market for Canada as far as India is concerned since Canada is not a mass market destination but at the same time, it could be a great option for corporate incentive trips. We've waited long to enter the market and wanted to get the timing just right. Canada is great choice for the evolved traveller. The destination offers an ideal mix of cosmopolitan and natural experience."

Though there is a huge potential in the Canadian market, the only issue that is a hurdle is visas. Explaining, Ping adds, “Visas are an issue not just for Mumbai but all over. In that context, we are hoping to provide better services and looking into providing convenient solutions."