Get specific, get specialised
The Indian outbound market has grown phenomenally in the past few years but agents haven’t bothered to segregate it into clear-cut sections. The traffic is mostly in general tours that cover several attractions. Are agents losing out on extra business opp
Inder Raj Ahluwalia
tours like safari and trekking trails, golf, spa and well-being, culinary, shopping tours, etc. But general tours are advertised in their advertisement campaigns and for return on investments, agents advertise only general tours which sell more in numbers. If agents start offsering special tours, they can become specialists, which in turn will attract
The niche market of specialised and select a new niche. Recent evolving trends have changed the travel distribution landscape. Currently enormous amounts of data, sellers can look forward to personalising offers for higher revenue generation. Tourists are motivated by the desire to go on holidays and take part in a current interest or develop a new interest in a new or familiar location.
Indian travel agents are adapting to the need for specialisation. Small agents in various Indian cities are now highly specialised and seem to have got the pulse of the time. Their clients can already and want to book their holidays with those who are authentic. As generalists, agents risk being seen as a ‘Jack or Jill of all when one is specialised, he is considered travel market, such as honeymoons, skiing or whatever one is pas
The Indian outbound market is at a is growing impressively, the time has come for agents to become more Although agents are offering wildlife tours, we should look at diversifying adventure activities like diving. Most something new. As travel agents, we have to be more focused and
The rapidly growing Indian outbound market is creating its own patterns. One of them is the emergence of travellers who are seeking something special in their overseas holidays. This has resulted in the creation and success of bespoke holidays to Ireland that include food and drink tours, literature tours, whiskey trails, screen tourism trails, etc. As Indian will do well to adapt and meet their requirements for specialised holidays. wine, golf or witnessing sporting events like cricket, tennis or football.
Indian agents and tour operators are evolving in tune with the Indian travel industry which is now moving towards specialisation. This will be the way forward in the future. In recent times, one such as marathon tours, culinary tours, etc. Certain tour operators are now carv customised tours revolving on activities we have seen a demand for tours focusing on automobiles, beer and shopping. This new trend in the Indian .
Travel agents need to become consultants. They need to charge for their services and provide the best services and specialised products. This is relevant - ture. We have to create niche markets and have thorough knowledge of the same. and sell special, tailor-made packages focusing on gastronomy, golf, walking tours, bicycle tours, heritage tours, etc. Agents needs to change their old way of working, move to newer pastures and not lose out on new earnings through new opportunities.
While the Indian outbound travel market has shown very impressive growth, the key to future business success will lie in agents becoming a foreign holiday, the time has come for agents to focus on specific aspects and promote different destinations keeping their uniqueness in mind. This could include anything from the sea, golf, history and heritage or wildlife.