Bohemia brings Balkans closer home
Tourism Enterprises in collaboration with Bohemia Travel Agency recently organised roadshows in Delhi and Mumbai to introduce the Balkan region to the Indian market.
Bulgaria-based DMC Bohemia Travel Agency (BTA), under the aegis of Tourism Enterprises, is making a foray into the India market through the latter’s vast network of travel agents and tour operators in the B2B segment, informs Ravi Gosain, Managing Director, Tourism Enterprises. “It is for the first time that one operator is providing services for the entire region. We invited about 100 travel agents and tour operators and even MICE agents to the roadshows to apprise them about the products on offer in the Balkan region. We will be organising a Fam trip where 15-20 selected travel agents will be hosted at various destinations in the Balkan region. For this, we have asked Turkish Airlines for support and hope that something will formalise soon,” adds Gosain.
According to Bayko Baykov, General Manager, Bohemia Travel Agency, Bulgaria recorded 15,000 Indian tourist arrivals last year. “We hope this number will double per year and Indian travellers will also explore the other Balkan countries. We are offering a combination of programmes for the Indian market, which include Greece, Romania, Montenegro and Croatia, along with our focus area on Bulgaria, Serbia and Macedonia,” says Baykov. He further adds that the company is expecting MICE movements, FIT travellers and young travellers from India who are looking for nightlife and active holidays. For the travel trade, the company organises informative tours every autumn and spring to allow tour operators to discover the destinations themselves and discuss potential business opportunities.
Identifying trends from the India market, Gosain points out that MICE travel to Europe is currently very popular and the company is trying to take the groups to the Balkan region as well. Families and friends are also travelling to this region from India. “We are targeting the middle class travellers because this region is very affordable. One can experience the European charm in this region at a cheaper price, familiarise with the culture, cuisine and traditions of the region before they head out to explore the rest of Europe,” says Gosain. He further adds that the average duration of stay for Indian travellers is minimum 6-7 days and their average spend is about $600-$700 per person which includes the 3-4 star hotels and transport within the region.
“Bohemia Travel Agency has already handled few Indian tourists and is abreast with the needs and demands of Indian travellers. Tourism Enterprises will represent them in India and we will be the point of contact for all the information regarding the DMC and their products for the discerning travellers from India,” adds Kumar Utkarsh, Senior Manager, Tourism Enterprises.