‘A Significant Part Of Our Growth Will Continue To Be Driven By Acquisitions’

Armin Meier, chairman, Kuoni India who took over the reins recently briefs Charmaine Fernz about his overall plans for India

What are your plans for India?

India is a major growth market for the Kuoni Group. We are present in all major travel markets in India, and in general, we intend to continue enhancing our leadership position in each market. We also continue to look for newer travel and travel-related markets to enter and establish a leading presence where it makes commercial or strategic sense.

Kuoni India set the trend for mergers and acquisitions in the travel fraternity, what is Kuoni's next take on the same?

We are always on the look out for commercially viable acquisitions. We envisage a significant part of our growth over the coming years will continue to be driven by acquisitions.

What does the Indian market constitute in profitability terms and market share?

The Indian travel and tourism market is one of the fastest growing travel and tourism markets in the world, and we feel that it can become one of the largest markets in the years to come.

With major international travel companies foraying into India, how would Kuoni India differentiate itself?

Very broadly speaking, we will distinguish ourselves on the 'customer focus' platform. Kuoni India has a rich history and tremendous wealth of experience behind it. We know our markets and our customers and we will get to know them - and understand their needs - even better. Our detailed strategy is based on this.