In order to discover business opportunities in the Indian outbound travel and hospitality market, Greg Ward, VP, sales, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts recently attended an industry wide focus group. The Hong Kong-based hotel group, which operates 98 properties and over 500 F&B outlets worldwide, had invited a select group of customers to review and share their experience of the Indian outbound industry. The panel included Ward; Birju Gariba, CEO and executive director, Platinum World Group; Kaushal Bhuva, managing director, World of Vacations Travel Company; Shubhangi Chitre, senior account manager, Phillipines Department of Tourism; and Rajesh Kakade, director, Red Carpet Travels.
The discussion was facilitated by Vivek Braganza, director of business development – India, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts. Braganza is looking to host more such events in the source markets of the sub-continent, in the near future.
The focus group reviewed, and uncovered various facets of the industry. Among other topics, the discussion brought forward the rise of the secondary and tertiary markets (including the rural consumer), partnership opportunities now available, and the rise of substitutes in the eyes of the customer.
The meeting was hosted by Shangri-La’s Regional Liaison Office – India. With representation in Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru, the regional liaison office in India serves as the facilitator of Shangri-La’s business interests in the sub-continent.