M|A|R|K|E|T OUTBOUND
CTC focuses on MICE with Business Events Canada STEENA JOY – Mumbai
anada is giving a new focus to the MICE segment especially in cities like Mumbai and Delhi. This is in line with the recent push that the segment received with the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) setting up a separate unit to take it forward called the Business Events Canada (BEC). The unit reflects the continuing importance of the meetings industry to Canada’s economy as well as the crucial role that meetings play in bolstering Canada’s international business. Foreign Affairs and
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International Trade Canada (DFAIT) has lined up seven priority sectors where the country holds a competitive advantage around which BEC will create a targeted sales focus: aerospace, agriculture and food, clean technology, infrastructure/engineering, information/communication technology, life sciences and natural resources. This year, CTC’s BEC unit will focus on the seven sectors to better understand the industries with the aim of creating new targeted partnerships in 2014. Tina Singh, assistant vice president, CTC, representative in India, said, “More and more
Tina Singh corporates are now looking out for new destinations as
incentives for their employees. Canada being on top of this list is attracting a number of incentive groups. The destination has a number of attractions and a lot to be experienced by the business traveller. A fast growing middle class with high disposable incomes and the propensity to spend, Indians are now looking for more striking, exotic and exciting destinations for incentive travel. In the recent past Canada has gained popularity for MICE, there is a demand and the number of queries are fast growing. This year we expect this to grow even further.”
Philippines aims to attract 66,000 Indian travellers this year KAHINI CHAKRABORTY - Mumbai
he department of tourism, Philippines is working towards positioning Philippines as the preferred travel destination in the Indian market. Recognising India as an important market, the department is extending its offerings for the leisure, MICE, families and honeymooners segments. After receiving 46,000 Indian travellers to the destination in 2012, the NTO is now targeting to attract 66,000 Indians this year,
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which is an approximately 40 per cent increase. Benito C Bengzon, JR, assistant secretary, international tourism promotions, department of tourism, Philippines informed Express TravelWorld, “With an aim to capture a larger market share, we have extended our presence in Kolkata, Chennai and Bengaluru. Following this, we believe that it is imperative to constantly keep upgrading the frontline staff through continuous training on various products that Philippines has to offer to the Indian
market. Apart from leisure, we have been getting increasing number of MICE groups and hence we on our part also have been increasing our MICE facilities to cater to this segment.” With Korea, UK, Japan, China and Australia being its major source markets, the department is confident of the India market to also take the top position. “As we are relatively new in the market, we will be looking at conducting roadshows in Hyderabad and Ahmedabad this year, as well as continue to par-
ticipate in major trade show events, conduct sales mission and organise FAM trips. We are also hoping to see an increase in incentive travel. We are targeting the Bollywood segment as we are aware of its importance in the Indian market,” he added.Currently the airline has three direct flights from New Delhi to Manila and other three flights via Bangkok. However, the airline is hoping that Indigo and Jet Airways would consider deploying direct flights to Manila from their sectors in India.
ENIT reopens its office in Mumbai ETW STAFF - Mumbai
he new office of ENIT was inaugurated by Daniele Mancini, the ambassador of Italy to India in Mumbai, India. Also present were Dr Giampaolo Cutillo, consul general of Italy in Mumbai; Dr Amedeo Scarpa, director of Italian Trade Commission, New Delhi; Dr Augusto di Giacinto, director Italian Trade Commission, Mumbai; Dr Giorgio Imparato, visa officer Mumbai and
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EXPRESS TRAVELWORLD
Simonetta Bartolomei, commercial attache from the Consulate General of Italy, Mumbai, and Murali Raghavan, COO, South Asia and CIS from VFS Global. Speaking on the occasion, the ambassador said: “Undoubtedly, India today is an emerging and high potential tourism market and numbers from India are only set to increase in the years to come. The growing middle class of the country certainly multiplies this potential. Since its first presence in
Mumbai, way back in 2001, ENIT has been instrumental in promoting Italy among the Indian tourists. In 2001, the number of Indian tourists visiting Italy stood at 69,000, which a decade later substantially increased to 2, 50,000. Therefore, tourism is a very important part of bilateral relations of Italy and India, and with the kind support of the Italian Ministry and VFS Global, ENIT once again looks forward to wooing Indian tourists and promoting Italy in the region.” www.expresstravelworld.com
Salvatore Ianniello, representative ENIT in India stated, “Looking back at all that has been achieved by ENIT, we are looking forward to restrengthening our past collaborations and looking for different ways in reaching out to people and adding value to our existing services and assistance. In this regard, you will soon find us on various social media domains such as Facebook, Twitter and shortly, a dedicated website for the Indian market will also be launched.”
Murali Raghavan, COO, South Asia and CIS, VFS Global said, “We feel proud to be associated with ENIT, and it is our privilege to assist them setup their India operations. In fact, in the spirit of our long standing partnership with the government of Italy, VFS Global has assisted ENIT with its office space and marketing and PR support. The opening of this new office is a promising beginning to attract more tourists and serve the potential Indian market.” June 2013