Adventure training for agents
Gauri Jayaram, the founder of Bengaluru-based Active Holiday, wants to share her knowledge about adventure holidays with the travel trade. A few excerpts...
The ‘Outbound Adventure Tourism India’ report was an eye-opener in terms of the large number of Indians who are taking these trips, but in particular those that are not going through the Indian travel trade. This is clearly attributed to the fact that they fail to instill confidence among their clients.
It is also interesting to note that Indians are travelling to all places - most popular destinations being Thailand, USA and Malaysia. Business to Europe is fragmented, but as a region, Europe is on top. Indians are spending an average of `
8,900 per day on adventure travel, but they come from all income brackets.
Are you working with international tourism boards?
Countries like Oman, Malaysia, Italy, Spain and Australia have a genuine inter- est in growing this segment from India, and we see their commitment through specific collaterals, their interest in promoting new regions, etc; as well as in supporting new niche players like us. They are help- ing us increase awareness amongst the B2B segment.
Will you be working with the travel trade?
In the coming months, we will be spending a significant time in training and servicing the agents about international adventure holidays so they can build their adventure division. We recently held the first Adventure Travel Symposium in Mumbai with close to 70 agents in attendance.
Your perspective on the current state of adventure travel in India?
Adventure Travel is a quiet revolution that has been taking place in India for the past decade and a half. In particular, the domestic and inbound segment has really been growing rapidly and India does have wonderful options for people who want to experience it - be it in the North, South, East or West and even Central India.
How can the travel trade help in improving dynamics?
Frankly, a lot of 'adventure travel' segment works through dis-intermediation, going directly to the source of the adventure experience provider. So from improving their knowledge to adding value to the customer by offering unique, safe experiences, there is a lot to be gained for the customer and travel agents if they invest in this segment.