Date:06/01/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/01/06/stories/2006010600900800.htm

Back Group Voyagers' branch in India

Nina Varghese

Chennai , Jan. 5

GROUP Voyagers Inc (GVI), a global provider of escorted travel vacations, plans to target young, affluent Indians and seasoned travellers with its niche products.

The company, which is headquartered in Switzerland, has opened its office in Bangalore. Group Voyagers markets and sells the Globus family of brands — Globus, Cosmos, Brennan Vacations, Monograms and Avalon Waterways.

Cosmos has been present in India for the past 20 years through general sales agents and is popular in the outbound segment, said Mr Mike A. Schields, Director (Group Sales and Emerging Markets), GVI. The company decided to open an office in India as the market is maturing and there is "tremendous opportunity," he said.

The company will invest about Rs 2.5 crore this year in the new office and market development. The office will provide support for travel agents and handle the regional markets of Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Mauritius. The company has set a target of 10,000 passengers in the next three years, he said.

Ms Gauri Jayaram, Managing Director, GVI India, said the company's tours offer an authentic destination experience unlike other available tours that offer Indian meals and Indian tour guides. These tours cater to a more mature segment of Indian travellers who would like to experiment with local cuisine and customs.

At present, the two primary outbound markets are Europe and North America, with the more seasoned travellers opting for South America, Russia, Egypt and Alaska.

Globus and Cosmos are escorted travel companies, while Monograms specialises in independent travel. Ms Jayaram said that Globus offers accommodation in four-star hotels, which would cost about $200 a day.

Cosmos tours, which include accommodation, transport, some meals and sightseeing, would average $60 a day.

Mr Schields said that inbound tourism (into India) is also growing fast, backed by the Incredible India campaign. India is the fourth or fifth destination of choice for American travellers, after South America, China and Egypt. The company was earlier marketing only the Golden Triangle but now has started some southern destinations too.

Ms Jayaram said about 55 per cent of the travellers on Cosmos tours are women and the company would be targeting women travellers, especially in Chennai. The company is currently doing a four-city road show, starting in Chennai.