Date:07/12/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/12/07/stories/2004120702561700.htm

Back Air India, Indian Bank unveil schemes for travel to Singapore

Our Bureau

(From left) Mr M.B.N. Rao, Chairman and Managing Director, Indian Bank; Ms Koh Siew Mui, Singapore Consul in Chennai; Ms Bridget Goh, Area Director, Singapore Tourism Board (Southern India, Sri Lanka and Maldives), and Mr P.S. Rajgopal, Commercial Manager, Air India, Tamil Nadu, at the launch of `Uniquely affordable Singapore' in Chennai on Monday. — Bijoy Ghosh

Chennai , Dec. 6

AIR India, in partnership with Indian Bank, has introduced travel schemes to Singapore offering travellers the option of loans on equated monthly instalments (EMIs) through the bank's branches in Tamil Nadu.

The schemes are in line with the Singapore Tourism Board's initiative to remove the perception that travelling to Singapore is expensive. The promotion carries the slogan `Konjam Konjam Kasu, Romba Romba Singapore'.

The first scheme offers airfare alone on Air India flights (Chennai- Singapore-Chennai). The EMI is Rs 699 for an adult and Rs 466 for a child below 12 years.

The second scheme includes a `four-day three-night stay' at Metropolitan YMCA with daily breakfast, half-day city tour, one lunch and a Singapore river bumboat ride. The EMI is Rs 844 for an adult and Rs 613 for a child below12 years.

The EMI for the third scheme is Rs 909 for an adult and Rs 678 for a 4-day 3-night stay at Golden Landmark with daily breakfast, half-day city tour, one lunch and Singapore river bumboat ride.

The loan offered to residents of Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry is a clean loan for the salaried class and will be given without security. Loans are payable on EMI over a 24-month period. Bookings can also be made through IATA (International Air Transport Association) travel agents who will co-ordinate with Indian Bank on the formalities.

Mr M.B.N. Rao, Chairman of Indian Bank, said these schemes would be promoted through all Indian Bank branches in Tamil Nadu. He said the bank would also encourage its employees to visit Singapore, while the better performers would win an incentive trip.