Outbound

Harvey India launches outbound division

Andrea Lopez - Mumbai

Joe Rajan CEO Harvey India

Harvey India, popular for its services on the inbound front has started tapping the outbound market by offering tours and packages to Europe, USA and the South East Asia. In a span of two years, Harvey India has climbed to occupy the position of one of the top ten tour operators in the country. Says Joe Rajan, CEO, Harvey India, "Although inbound tourism is doing extremely well in the country there are a good number of people who are keen to visit exotic destinations in the Americas or South East Asia, rather than visit their native places."

To boost its outbound division, Harvey is also planning certain programs, one of which is called the 'recurring deposit scheme', wherein families can periodically deposit a certain amount of money for eleven months. The final installment is made by Harvey in the twelfth month. "We already have 15 members and it's a good concept because a number of people want to take holidays but don't save money for it. Harvey's program ensures that they make that holiday happen along with inputs from us," says Rajan. Harvey is also working out tour packages for senior citizens in the country. "Cruising has also become very popular with Indians, so are also looking at promoting Star Cruises in India too."

Harvey is also eyeing the medical tourism market in the country. Says Rajan, "A treatment in the UK and US is exorbitant, we plan to tie up with a few hospitals in the country and offer combined ayurvedic and other wellness packages to patients in states like Kerala and Goa." Harvey's newly opened office in Houston will promote medical tourism holiday packages in the US apart from working with travel agents in the US and UK. "There has also been a sharp increase in the volume of student travel to and from the US, our office in Houston addresses this segment," concluded Rajan.