WOV Travels opens up SA market
The company will bring in more options for the Indian travel trade from South African products and offer better incentives to B2B network partners.
TT BUREAU World
of Vacations (WOV) Travels Company has recently set up a branch office in South Africa to provide uncomplicated groundhandling services for Indian travel agents’ passengers for African continent.
Irshad Dadan, Director, WOV Travel Company said, “We selected South Africa because we know the destinations better and are confident to sell the best products and deals to our Indian partners. Indian travel agents are more comfortable dealing with Indians in other countries and thus, we are positive to receive good responses from our partners for South Africa office. Our team will be as competitive as other South African DMCs and bring in the best possible deals.” According to Dadan, South African Tourism Board is doing an excellent job in promoting the destination among Indians. However, air-connectivity is a big hurdle to overcome. “For us, Western India, especially Mumbai and Ahmedabad are doing excellent since our launch. Even the North Indian market is picking up. I’m sure with more direct air-connectivity to the Rainbow Nation, Indians will travel more.”
Considering the fall of rupee, the Indian travel industry is recording a downfall in terms of bookings for outbound packages. When asked if the company is considering shifting focus from long-haul to short-haul destinations, Dadan said, “For short-haul destinations there is strong competition in the market where the volumes are high, but bottom- lines are low. Moreover, travel agents face intense competition from OTAs. Travellers are even booking directly with airlines and service providers of that particular country. In this situation, we prefer selling long-haul destinations.”