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‘The Level Of Awareness About Brazil Could Rise Quickly‘
Heena Munshaw (HM), MD, Beacon Holidays and Nikhil
Dalal (ND), Director, Bulls & Bears Travel & Tours share their views
with Achal Dhruva regarding the potential of Brazil as a tourist destination
What is the level of awareness about Brazil as a destination
among Indian traveller and how would you rate the destination?
HM:There is an interest in South America, including
Brazil, which is more from the discerning traveller. The awareness of Brazil
as an outbound destination is very limited, though Sao has registered an increase
in business traffic. Also, people know about Amazon, but few have an idea what
to expect there. However, the perception of Rio being unsafe is completely exaggerated.
ND: We would rate the destination as B plus because
of the infrastructure which is good, but we foresee a major problem as far as
the availability of Indian food is concerned. The awareness about Brazil as
a destination is not high for the first time traveller. But for people who are
frequently visiting various parts of the world, Brazil would definitely appeal
to them as they would like to explore a new country.
What kind of clientele do you think, would Brazil appeal
to and what according to you is the percentage of this clientele?
HM: Brazil will appeal to anyone who has no reservations about travelling
to developing countries. It is for a well travelled client who has had his or
her share of routine destinations in Far East and Europe. Brazil has unique
features and the gift of natural diversity, ranging from Amazon, to beaches,
to Falls.
ND: Brazil would appeal to clients who prefer adventure and beaches as
well as those who like to explore the Amazon Forest. Initially, I think this
market may be only 5 per cent of the overall number, but once people start travelling
and talking about this destination to others, it will become popular. Further
with the Tourism Board marketing this destination aggressively, the level of
awareness about Brazil could rise quickly.
How would you compare Brazil with other popular long haul
destinations?
HM: Unique, different, awesome, rustic, culturally diverse and unpretentious.
There is no inhibitions about enjoying life, and is full of music.
ND: Comparing Brazil with other popular long haul destinations would
not be justified, say for example U.S. or Australia, where people have friends
and families residing in those destinations. It becomes easy for them to visit
those destinations frequently as they are comfortable with the food, sight seeing
etc., whereas in Brazil a person would visit only once or twice maximum in their
life time just to explore a new destination and new culture. Hence the comparision
cannot be made between Brazil and other long haul destinations.
Do feel that the destination is marketable in India and
what are the pitfalls for the same?
HM: In spite of fierce competition from several other destinations vying
for attention of the outbound travellers, Brazil is certainly marketable in
India, through niche players. It is however not a mass market product. Creating
awareness is the key. The pitfalls I foresee are expensive airfare and the lack
of awareness for the needs of the Indian travellers on the suppliers’ end.
Brazil is a very large country and coaches are not the best mode of travel,
so cheaper domestic passes, with a good long haul is a great solution to get
this product off the ground.
ND: Brazil can be developed for MICE or FITs only if Indian Restaurants
with authentic Indian food are opened in key attractions like Rio & Salvador.
There are no other pitfalls we foresee for this destination.
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