TravTalk - India

Here’s why Indian agents love Holland

With a predicted growth of 15 per cent from Indian arrivals by the end of 2017, Holland has come a long way from being an option to Indians looking for a lesser travelled destinatio­n to being the destinatio­n of choice now. But what is it that makes the de

- NIKHIL ANAND

Holland has been in the itinerarie­s for a very long time now with the Indian traveller increasing­ly asking for it on their visits to Europe. Delhi and Amsterdam are already connected with a direct flight and with the connectivi­ty options increasing rapidly between the two nations, thanks to the soon to be added new flights and frequencie­s by KLM and Jet Airways, the number of Indians visiting Holland is definitely going to see a huge surge in the coming times. Another positive sign for the destinatio­n is the regular arrival of the tourism boards and associatio­ns which helps in spreading awareness and interest among the Indian travel trade.

An itinerary to Europe, especially to Germany, these days seems incomplete without the addition of Holland. The scenic beauty that spreads across the country, some of the world acclaimed canals, the well renowned and mesmerisin­g flower gardens, especially tulip gardens, Madurodam - which is a huge tourist attraction, the very popular nightlife and some of the finest cheese in the world, there is so much going for the destinatio­n. Hence, I do not find it surprising that Holland has infiltrate­d the hearts and itinerarie­s of so many Indians already and I am sure it will continue to do so and for a long time.

Holland is an extremely popular destinatio­n which is constantly drawing a lot of attention from both the Indian travel trade and also the Indian traveller. In my opinion, it is a relatively easy destinatio­n to sell owing to its unparallel­ed natural beauty and no dearth of offerings for its visitors. Most people refer to the destinatio­n as the 'kingdom of windmills and tulips' but that is just among a few facets that add to Holland's charm and help lure tourists. For us, the destinatio­n is selling fast and selling good and the constant positive feedback we are keep getting from our clients affirms our faith in the destinatio­n and its potential.

Holland is hands down one of the most unique destinatio­ns and as such one that we can easily sell to our clients. For example, in Amsterdam, if you go to Dam Square, in a very small area, you will find an array of things to do from shopping, to dining and entertainm­ent which goes to show how easily varied interests get integrated there. Holland on its own, with its beautiful flower gardens, windmills and eccentric small towns, is a great place especially for corporate incentives and holidays. In fact we are doing a couple of corporate incentive tours in November this year to Amsterdam, Netherland­s and Germany combined.

We’ve been sending a lot of tourists to Holland from the FITs, luxury segment and MICE groups. We’ve received very positive feedback from all the travellers. Amongst the favourites are ofcourse the beautiful canal city of Amsterdam, Madurodam – which is basically miniature Holland and a must visit attraction, Keukenhof Garden, which is an all-time favourite of Indian travellers. We’ve seen an increasing trend in people travelling to Belgium and other parts of Germany and adding Holland to their itenerarie­s. Holland, as a destinatio­n, is fast become a part of most of our itinerarie­s nowadays with business growing rapidly each year.

Holland is currently one of the bestsellin­g destinatio­ns for Europe wherein every year we do two or three groups atleast. Holland definitely stands out from the rest of the European cities and essentiall­y thrives on its own beauty and offerings.The Indian traveller gets great value for money here, be it in the form of the endless stretch of white beaches, the birdlife, the charm of the small towns and villages and some of the most gorgeous flower gardens. From exploring cities on bike to enjoying fabulous food and enjoying the most picturesqu­e landscapes, there is so much on offer when our customers visit Holland.

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 ??  ?? Guldeep Singh Sahni India Travel Award winner and President, Outbound Tour Operators Associatio­n of India
Guldeep Singh Sahni India Travel Award winner and President, Outbound Tour Operators Associatio­n of India
 ??  ?? Riaz Munshi Vice President, Outbound Tour Operators Associatio­n of India
Riaz Munshi Vice President, Outbound Tour Operators Associatio­n of India
 ??  ?? Amit Chopra Assistant Manager – MICE Operations, Blue Moon Travels
Amit Chopra Assistant Manager – MICE Operations, Blue Moon Travels
 ??  ?? Shekhar Sharma Director- MICE & Holidays, Ezee Fly Solutions
Shekhar Sharma Director- MICE & Holidays, Ezee Fly Solutions
 ??  ?? Jatinder Singh Bhatia Managing Partner Travel Experts
Jatinder Singh Bhatia Managing Partner Travel Experts
 ??  ?? Sanjay Bhatt Managing Parter Quintessen­tial Vacations
Sanjay Bhatt Managing Parter Quintessen­tial Vacations

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