` 100

Volume VIII Issue 7 July 2017 52 pages A DDP Publication

Indian mean serious business editorial

Dear Reader, PUBLISHER & EDITOR Globally, the Indian industry is already pegged at `3000- SanJeet 5000 crore, growing at a pace of over 40 per cent annually. Whether it’s an elite and exclusive wedding or the big fat Indian wedding, this segment only speaks big business. The wedding industry of India is a MANAGING EDITOR recession-proof and resilient industry, with organisers continuously Peden Doma Bhutia innovating to leave guests awestruck. In our cover story, we zero-in on the latest trends in the wedding business from wedding planners, MICE agents, hoteliers, and vendors. Also, in our guest column, Birju C ASSOCIATE EDITOR Gariba, CEO and Executive Director, Platinum World Group, elaborates Kanchan Nath on the nuances of planning weddings at a grand scale, while making them special for the and groom. ASSISTANT EDITOR Another segment that is making waves is that of weddings on cruise Tripti Mehta ships. While the idea of cruising itself is still struggling to get the Indian holidaymaker’s attention, history has shown that the people of DESIGN the country are keen on more adventurous setups when it comes to Raashi Ajmani Girdhar weddings. Purely based on this quirkiness, perhaps weddings on cruise liners may just bode well with the Indian market. Also, cruise weddings offer better profi ts for agents while providing to be a novel experience ADVERTISING for guests and the couple alike. Gunjan Sabikhi Karishma Khanna The UN World Economic Situation and Prospects’ revised report for Neeraj Kaira mid-2017 projects a downward revision of growth for India from 7.7 per cent to 7.3 per cent. In our mid-year review, MICE agents tell us Jaspreet Kaur how the fi rst half of 2017 has been for them. With a magical 'brag factor' and aspirational value, international MICE trips continue to ADVERTISEMENT DESIGNERS be a great motivator for employees and dealers. The most popular Vikas Mandotia destinations among Indians still seem to be Dubai and the Far East Nitin Kumar mainly Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore.

In an interview, Sabbas Joseph, President, Event and Entertainment PRODUCTION MANAGER Management Association of India (EEMA), talks about the evolution Anil Kharbanda of the events industry and how it relies a great deal on technology. With use of technology gaining momentum, interactive sessions have become imperative, and 3D experiences have also now gone beyond CIRCULATION MANAGER touch and feel. Finally, our counsellor Shivani Misri Sadhoo shares tips Ashok Rana on how today’s business era is initiating CSR and winning the hearts of employees while gaining the status of being the best workplace for them. MUMBAI: ADVERTISING Keep reading and giving your feedback to us at: Harshal Ashar [email protected] Priyanshu Wankhade

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MICEtalk July 2017 3 contents JULY 2017

14 highlights...

NEWS 8 NEWS from the world of MICE

8 GUEST COLUMN 12 Grandeur of a wedding 12 COVER STORY 14 The wedding story

CRUISE 36 are made at sea

4 MICEtalk July 2017

Over è Please send in your suggestions and 600,000 feedback to [email protected] Readers You can also read MICEtalk online at www.micetalk.com

36 40

41 42 44

ASSOCIATION 40 Tech bent for events

TRENDS 41 MICE ‘Inn’ Kochi 48 Regular

42 TRENDS EXPERT MICE in mid-year Our counsellor, Shivani Misri Sadhoo, on how today’s 48 business era is initiating CSR and winning the hearts of employees HOTEL 44 Belagavi on your itinerary, yet? Cover by: Raashi Ajmani Girdhar

6 MICEtalk July 2017

news

ASIA-PACIFIC PATA Travel Mart 2018 in Langkawi n Langkawi is the venue for PATA Travel Mart 2018 (PTM 2018). NCANADA EWS e signature Pacifi c Asia Travel Association (PATA) event is being hosted by Tourism Malaysia and Langkawi Development Authority. e announcement was made by the Association’s CEO, Dr. Mario Hardy, during the PATA Annual Summit in Negombo, Sri Lanka, on May 21. Dr. Hardy said, “Tourism Malaysia and Langkawi Development Authority have been valuable PATA members and partners since 1959 and 2017, respectively, and we look forward to the opportunity of showcasing the culture, heritage, and beauty of Langkawi. 33% growth in Delegates to PTM 2018 will experience one of Asia’s most remarkable and Indian arrivals to Canada attractive destinations.” n Canada saw a growth of 33 per cent in Indian arrivals for the month of March this year. e remarkable number of Indian tourists who sojourned in Canada has reiterated that the country is an all-year-round destination and the 150th year celebrations will continue to lure Indians through the year. Pooja Sabharwal, Account Director, Destination Canada – India, said, “ is manifold rise in arrival fi gures shows that all the diverse off erings of Canada are being extensively explored by Indian travellers. ere has been a sharp increase in leisure trips to Canada from India owing to the increased disposable income amongst middle and affl uent-class travellers.”

SOUTHEAST ASIA Thailand ranks 24th for MICE: ICCA e International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has put ailand on the 24th ASIA-PACIFIC position in the world’s association meeting destination list, up World MICE Day 2017 from the 27th of last year. Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, Acting from Oct 25-27 in China President, TCEB, said, “ ere are n some exceptionally large events World MICE Day 2017 will be coming to ailand such as held during October 25-27, 2017, THAIFEX - World of Food Asia in Qingdao, China. e event is an that is expected to draw 70,000 initiative of the Qingdao government people in early June. Last month, and CCPIT-Qingdao Sub Council, BIT ailand was host to Intermatch Congress. e theme chosen for the for 31,000 people and Infi nitus maiden edition is ‘Boosting Silk Road for 8000 people.” An initial survey Meeting Industry’. At the three-day indicates that during the period extravaganza, 400 domestic and overseas from June to December, about hosted buyers and over 2000 visitors 360 events are being organised are expected to check-in, with 150-200 in ailand. sellers and exhibitors.

8 MICEtalk July 2017 news

NORTH INDIA Aero Expo India 2017 from November 2-5 n PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s second edition of the Aviation exposition - Aero Expo India 2017 will be held from November 2-5 in New Delhi. e first Aero exposition was organised last year at Indira Gandhi International Airport with the patronage of the Ministry of Civil Aviation. e four-day event is also going to witness India’s first ‘Heli-Expo’ at the Pawan Hans Heliport in Rohini, New Delhi, on November 4-5. KN Rao, Chairman, Civil Aviation Committee, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said, “Aero Expo has no doubt helped boost regional air connectivity in line with the PM’s recently announced UDAN scheme.”

EUROPE More Indian arrivals in Munich n Munich has seen strong gains in the number of Indian arrivals in February, 2017, recording an increase of 40 per cent in comparison to last year. Additionally, there has also been an increase in the bed nights, which has grown to 31.46 per cent. “ is huge rise in the Indian arrival figures to Munich shows that India has successfully maintained a position of one of the top source markets for the Bavarian capital,” said Minoti Gupta, Manager–Sales, Destination Munich.

ASIA-PACIFIC UAE Dubai Airport launches smart scheme to reduce clearance time n Dubai International Airport has launched a smart scheme enabling travellers to use their smartphones instead of their passport or express gate cards at the airport to reduce travel clearance procedures to the minimum. Dubbed ‘Emirates Smart Wallet’, the scheme is meant to further streamline travel movement Air India to consider across the airport and is considered the first of its kind in the world. Guwahati-Bangkok direct flight: Lohani (Source: IANS) n Ashwani Lohani, Chairman and Managing Director, Air India, informed that while some sectors were not profitable in the North East, overall, operations remained gainful as they got a viability gap funding from North Eastern Council (NEC). He also said that Air India is considering operating a direct flight between Guwahati and Bangkok or between Guwahati and Kunming, thrice a week. Air India has a market share of 17 per cent in the North East, which seemingly is a profitable sector for the airline. news

ASIA-PACIFIC CWT’s virtual payment solution accessible in NEWS Asia Pacific EUROPE & MEXICO n Carlson Wagonlit Travel’s (CWT) virtual payment solution, powered Jet, Aeromexico sign codeshare MoU by Conferma, is now available for n Jet Airways and Aeromexico, the fl ag carrier airline of companies in Asia Pacifi c. Initially, Mexico have signed an MoU that outlines co-operation in the solution will be used to pay for the areas of enabling codeshare fl ights and frequent-fl yer hotels and low-cost carriers, and for programmes. e MoU was signed by Jet Airways’ Chairman other content in the future. With this Naresh Goyal and Aeromexico’s CEO Andrés Conesa, on the solution, when a traveller makes a sidelines of the IATA’s AGM in Cancun, Mexico. As part of the booking, CWT provides the hotel or arrangement, both carriers will code on each other’s services low-cost carrier a unique, 16-digit between India and Mexico via common gates in Europe. To Virtual Card Number (VCN), 3-digit begin with, Jet Airways will place its marketing code ‘9W’ on security number, and expiry date. is Aeromexico fl ights from London Heathrow to Mexico City. approach has numerous benefi ts for In turn, Aeromexico will place its marketing code on Jet companies and their travellers. Airways’ direct services from London Heathrow to Mumbai and Delhi.

USA PAN INDIA Marriott launches GPS embraces Tier-II and SPG mobile check-in Tier-III cities n Starwood Preferred Guest, a loyalty programme of Marriott International, is launching SPG mobile check-in for members at 22 hotels in the United States. More hotels will begin off ering this feature exclusively on the SPG mobile application with the global rollout completed by the end of 2017. “Mobile check-in is incredibly n India’s premier B2B tourism interaction, popular among our Marriott Rewards Global Panorama Showcase (GPS) for members with more than 200,000 Tier-II and III cities has set stage for its fi fth check-ins occurring each week,” edition this year. e event will be held in said David Flueck, Senior Vice Ahmedabad from July 13-15, at Courtyard President for Global Loyalty, Marriott by Marriott Ahmedabad. GPS is a business International. With this, members meeting point for tourism professionals and can also ‘Make A Green Choice’ and the leading tourism service providers for request early check-in as well. Elite India and overseas. In 2016, GPS saw over and Platinum members already enjoy 120 exhibitors as it took wings and added many such conveniences. Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Kolkata, and Coimbatore to its format.

10 MICEtalk July 2017 news

UAE n Sofitel has announced the largest Sofitel Sofitel Dubai property in the Middle East with development Wafi offers 1115 partner MKM sqm ballroom for Commercial Holdings. Expected to open in meetings, events early 2019, business travellers will have access to 10 meeting rooms in addition to a 1115 sqm ballroom. Sami CANADA Nasser, Chief Operating Officer, Luxury Brands, st AccorHotels Middle East, 41 edition of commented, “Within the UAE, we’ve established a Rendez-vous Canada n st strong presence with four e 41 edition of Rendez-vous Canada operational hotels across (RVC), Canada’s premier tourism marketplace, landmark locations.” was held at the BMO Centre from May 9-12, 2017, in Calgary, Alberta. Taking its all-time- high attendance record to a new pinnacle, the four-day long annual conference saw close to 29,000 face-to-face business appointments between Canadian sellers and tourism buyers from across the globe. Hosted by Tourism Calgary, this year’s event featured around 1840 buyers from 28 international markets. guest column

Grandeur of a

WEDDING Birju C Gariba Birju C Gariba, CEO and Executive Director, Platinum World Group, elaborates on the nuances of planning a wedding at a grand scale, while making it special for the bride and groom

12 MICEtalk July 2017 guest column

ith the borders melting, known to host about 200-250 guests on of various offerings and exceptional India has been witnessing an average at international weddings and experiences that guests will locally an unprecedented the big fat ones are in the vicinity of about witness during the wedding/event. All growth in international 400-500 guests which means it's never of these are usually done in about 48- destination weddings and events. Planning easy to book all the rooms in a single 72 hours and put in a nice presentation suchW grand jamborees however is not a hotel, easily. e biggest reason also is that helps the families visualise each walk in the park and requires enormous that our market runs on a short lead- destination as well as offerings with amount of planning, madness, creativity, time as compared to the rest of the pricing, of course. a great eye for detail and an impeccable world. And while the recommended sense of execution which sounds like a time for such scales is at least one year e process then goes down to taking new army of wedding planners. Let’s just in advance, we see cases sprawling from site inspections and finalising the run by the requirements that a destination a timeline of six months to as low as one destination and hotel therein. en wedding demands and things that have month before the wedding. starts the creative grill of giving out-of- to be planned to make a wedding that the the-box ideas for each of the function young couple dreams of. GEARED UP FOR ANY DEMAND individually that would include thematic Once you come across the potential décor ideas, entertainment, both local SHORTLIST THEM solution of rooms you have to also hope and global, styling, and with growing It all starts with creating a shortlist, the airline is not full on the given set demand in destination weddings, paying which means mapping the know-how of dates as only limited destinations heed to the request of ‘How can my about the destinations across the world, offer a direct access. ere is obviously wedding be different than others?’ e the weather conditions during the month an option of chartering a flight for differentiation comes from cuisine, décor, of the wedding, flight connections for uber fancy weddings, but those are and entertainment, which in itself is a the guests from different locations, much smaller in percentage. While I separate industry. e talent in weddings sometimes across the world, and the write this, I am reminded about our has seen a huge spectrum across the safety that the destination offers. Once first event in Tokyo in 2015, where globe, maintaining a roster of talents the stage is cleared of these basic details, our clients had given us a lead time of across the globe and recommending the comes the task of dwelling into the domain of hotels, room counts, distance from airport, gala dinner venues, unique Having now done events in over 72 countries, we are destination offerings, banqueting sizes geared up to be able to handle any demand

and layouts, ease of availability of 25 days and the date of the event was right one for each wedding. We have seen Indian food or setting up of a satellite October 22-24 for which we had a brief how acts by Cirque Du Soliel and Elton kitchen and of course some idea about in September. When we wrote to our John feature in weddings. the budget at these destinations. It may partners seeking their support towards not sound big but I imagine the list of execution, most rejected and the ones QUEST FOR UNIQUENESS potential knowledge domain that one who were positive about it, responded Uniqueness and exclusivity took us has to possess would be large enough to with a probable error-of-year mention to the shores of Mongolia recently to create a ‘best wedding places’ directory. assuming it was for 2016 and not 2015. organise an event and it was a completely e shortlists are itself sometimes as It took us a while to finally find the right new terrain for Indians as well as for large as 8-10 destinations and then starts partners and hence, the right solution Mongols to welcome us Indians. the process of prospecting individual for our hugely successful event. Having destinations with inquiring about hotel now done events in over 72 countries, We believe this trend is still nascent availabilities and venue availabilities, we are geared up to be able to handle and the millennials will be even given that these are the primary needs any demand at any unusual lead times. more explorative in their search for any wedding. Indian weddings are e process continues with detailing for uniqueness.

MICEtalk July 2017 13 cover story

The

WeddingWeddingSTORY

MICEtalk gets in touch with wedding planners, MICE agents, hoteliers, and vendors to zero-in on the latest trends in the wedding business

Kanchan Nath

14 MICEtalk July 2017 cover story

Photograph by Mahima Bhatia Photography

MICEtalk July 2017 15 cover story

Bhavnesh Sawhney Director Wedniksha Wedding Planners

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES Every couple wants their wedding to be more grand and unique than the other. Five-star cruise liners are being chartered for wedding celebrations, and European destinations like Greece, Monaco, Tuscany, and Barcelona are trending. Couples are opting for destinations that offer a unique experience to their guests. Contemporary or special acts are also being created for guests as per their profile. COLLABORATING WITH DMCs Our company has been rather well-connected with the DMCs of Turkey and Spain to name a few. We choose our suppliers and vendors based EXCLUSIVE VENUES OVER HOTELS on their past work and recommendations. DMCs e unorganised segment has been gaining do help in acquiring the best venues and even favour over hotels. While picking out a venue, we connecting us to the right people, getting better ensure that the location can easily be accessed rates, and more exciting experiences. by guests and that the food and service at the location are top-class. Capacity of venues and DID YOU VIBRANT DECORATIONS restrictions imposed by law are also made e wedding décor trend of colours note of. KNOW? is making a comeback. Different colours In Greek help relate to different seasons. For DRONES FOR SHOOTS weddings, the instance, the current summer colour palette Couples always want a unique pre-wedding shoot bride may walk consists of kale green, sage, copper, and at a location which is beautiful and untapped. down the aisle white. International flowers are Some pet-lovers want their dogs in their shoot, with a gold coin in being imported and used for décor, some high-school lovers want the shoot in her shoe to bring unique designs, and fancy sets their school where they first met, while some prosperity that are larger than life are also others want them at palaces and beaches. Drone being created. cameras have also become very popular.

16 MICEtalk July 2017 xxxxxXX

Kunal Rai Head - Weddings and Events Tamarind Global

OFFBEAT LOCALES ON THE RISE Destination weddings are getting more innovative as families are trying to provide a unique experience to their well-travelled guests. Destinations have evolved from Bangkok and Phuket to the Middle East, with Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi trending. Other exotic destination weddings is back. e impact of European destinations of Vienna, Malta, and GST is not yet known but the wedding industry Monte Carlo are also fast becoming desirable is a fairly recession-proof and resilient industry markets. Off beat locales of Antalya, Baku, and and we do not foresee too much slackening Bali are also on the list of trending destinations. of demand. A few untouched destinations that we have done weddings at include Bahrain and Kota DESTINATION DEFINES CHALLENGES Kinabalu. Other aspects such as performances by Challenges depend completely on the destination international artists, fusion food, eclectic themes and hotel chosen. In completely new destinations and décor, all make an appearance in typical that have never dealt with Indian weddings, the wedding functions. challenges could be in the form of customs and immigration support, infrastructure to handle COMBINATION OF LOGISTICS the movement of a large number of people, Diff erent weddings and destinations have diff erent availability of quality vendors, hotel fl exibility, requirements. For fl ights, guests may book their and capabilities on various fronts such as food, own or in some cases where the destination does laundry handling, hospitality, and venues. is not have too many scheduled fl ights per day, we is where the role of a planner and local ground DID YOU look at charter options or ties with the airline partner is essential. and take complete charge of the tickets. Most of KNOW? what can be procured locally is sourced in the WEDDINGS IN BAHRAIN In Jamaica, destination country. Other décor, production e most recent wedding that Tamarind everyone in the equipment, and food items are declared and organised in Bahrain was held in the month village takes to shipped, hand-carried or air-freighted. of April and catered to 1000 guests. is the street to look was as challenging as it was rewarding. at the bride and POLICY AMENDS ere was a lot that was accomplished in she better look AND WEDDINGS the four months of planning from building her best or is ere was an initial reaction post the infrastructure in a country that had scorned! demonetisation, however, never seen an Indian wedding of this size the Indian economy has to working with customs and immigration strengthened and offi cials, the airport authority, the hotels the demand for involved, and the DMCs.

MICEtalk July 2017 17 cover story

Vijay Arora Director Touchwood Entertainment

HIS AND HERS we have received, there was one where we had e year has been flooded with trends for to organise an Indian wedding ritual for 70-80 destination weddings. Wedding teasers have people within the span of half an hour for which been quite popular, giving clients a perfect neither we nor the caterer was prepared. We did three-minute short film to relive the highlights; somehow manage it in the end. custom hashtags are another popular trend; and wear-your-side-IDs is another trend that more and more clients and their guests are adopting. CAPABLE VENDORS We prefer to work with vendors and those who can provide us with the best deliverables, offer detailed destination knowledge, and be capable of taking care of all ground services that include transfers, accommodation, restaurants, venues, logistics, and activities. WEDDING DÉCOR Clients are always on the lookout for something new at their wedding. When we talk about , traditional décor for the DID YOU mehendi ceremony used to be quite the trend, but now people are opting for new ideas like PRE-WEDDING SHOOTS KNOW? origami/paper décor, decorating the venue has taken a completely In the UK, it with quirky daily-use household products, new dimension in the last few years. is considered lanterns, and rustic and vintage décor. Pre-wedding short films that can be used as bad luck for wedding invites on social media or be played the groom to LAST-MINUTE REQUESTS during other ceremonies have become popular. see the bride’s ough we, as wedding planners, are before the habitual of handling last-minute requests, ese videos use all forms of shooting techniques wedding we are also often faced with challenges that like aerial, under water, stop motion, time we do overcome. Among all the requests that lapse, etc.

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cover story

Vikaas Gutgutia Founder & MD Ferns N Petals

FLOWER DÉCOR Décor is the most crucial aspect of weddings. We believe flowers are irreplaceable and are the evergreen jewels of a wedding décor. In terms of floral décor, the trends change from season to season. is season, we are using a lot of English cut flowers and French garden conservatory looks involving a lot of organic materials, dried flowers and roots, and different kinds of green, fresh leaves and berries in our setups. Another weddings that are held overseas. For cocktails or trend this year is tone-on-tone colours like beige reception, people love to do English, Caribbean, on beige, etc. For the cocktail function, people Florence-themed settings to retain the elegance of prefer exotic cut flowers. the foreign locale. GOING BEYOND HOTELS CHALLENGING REQUESTS Holding a wedding at a hotel is not so charming At a recent wedding function, FNP Weddings & anymore. Extravagant venues are the demand of Events recreated the grandeur of Buckingham DID YOU the day. To meet this demand, Ferns N Petals Palace through the craftsmanship and hard has a chain of luxury wedding venues in work of more than 500 people who worked for KNOW? Delhi-NCR that include e Ritz, e about 45 days in an area of 1.5 lakh sqft, for a Roses are the Riviera, Udman, Vilasa, Shagun Farms, function that was to cater to 3000 guests. is most popular e Kundan, and Brij Greens. enormous space was the largest that we have ever wedding flowers worked in. in the world and LOCAL MEETS GLOBAL Peonies are the Destination weddings often entail a lot We once had a client who wanted a floral dome of costliest wedding of planning and ground work. Usually, a pink rose buds for the wedding. To import 7000 flowers in local flavour is maintained in one of the bundles of roses (each bundle has 100 pieces) of the world functions to bring in a nostalgic factor in the same colour and size was a huge challenge.

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Navneet Kumar Director Fotobubbles Tech

CANDID CLICKS Clients are now moving away from traditional group pictures taken on the stage to candid photography. ey want us to tell a story through photo-documenting the wedding. ey seem more willing to spend on creativity and quality.

e client's involvement today is far more DID YOU participative and the level of encouragement we receive for creativity in our work is more than it KNOW? used to be. The average wedding PRE-WEDDING SHOOTS photographer Pre-wedding shoots have become popular. ey is booked have moved on from being only about clicking for nearly 25 a few nice pictures of the couple together in an weddings in informal setup to being one that tells a story of a year their journey.

ese shoots have become an essential aspect of any wedding. People today don't mind travelling to an exotic destination or a grand setting to get their pre-wedding shoots done.

Today, couples want grand and ambitious themes, backgrounds, and settings. We, at FotoShaadi, take three weeks to prepare for a pre-wedding shoot, given that it is now more of a short film that we must be well-prepared for.

We have a couple of discussions with the bride and groom and sometimes even with friends and family to arrive at a story and then go ahead and plan a shoot schedule to capture the entire story with the couple being the heart and soul of it. Every minute detail from concept of the Photographs by FotoSHAADI shoot and the attire to the location and the props is planned. Everyone wants their wedding to be captured in a cinematic fashion and not merely a video VIDEO STORYTELLING recording of the event. People love the beauty When it comes to videos, the need for short crisp shots that are taken while the bride is getting videos has sky rocketed. Earlier, people wanted ready. Every couple wants their story to be told in every moment and every aspect of their event to a short, concise video. ey want moments with be captured. Now, the demand for a very short a lot of emotions, friends and family opinions video with an emotional angle is given more about them, and how the husband and wife feel importance than the regular full-length video. about each other to come through in the videos.

MICEtalk July 2017 21 cover story

Photograph by Rimi Sen Photography Vicky Soin Head - Market Development (MICE) International Travel House

DESTINATION INFLUENCED THEMES have definitely impacted the industry with things Destination weddings started from far east moving towards no-cash transactions. It will destinations, but now the eastern European take a bit of time to recover as people are used to region is also becoming more popular due to price spending in a certain way. and flexibility. Clients demand to do the wedding in the local traditions of the destination, besides UNFORESEEN CHALLENGES their own. Normally, the wedding functions Planning and timelines are the most difficult part carry on for two nights or three, depending on of weddings besides the logistics involved. Every logistics and the destination. emed functions guest is important and every guest can have are definitely conducted to make the wedding different requirements. experience an out-of-the-box one. We need to follow timelines and manage well to LOGISTICS have complete control of situations and execute We have a list of DMCs who specialise in this the functions as planned. segment and support us in perfectly planning DID YOU out business to exceed the expectations of INFLUENCE OF FILMS clients. Specialising in all aspects, ITH is Weddings are, to quite an extent, influenced KNOW? able to manage all logistics smoothly. We by the film industry of India and abroad. e The maximum speak to airlines in advance for equipment designer clothes that the guests and the bride number of people facility to be carried and negotiate on and groom wear are very similar to those shown that are invited the cost. in films. for destination weddings does POLICIES AND WEDDINGS e whole sequence is often built around not usually go Every change has a short-term or long- performances by relatives or the couple itself. beyond 200 term impact and the recent policy amends is is a big change from earlier times and gives of demonetisation, GST, liquor ban, etc., the family and guests a chance to be extrovert.

22 MICEtalk July 2017 cover story

Bhuvanbhaskar Taneja Owner TJ Wedding Solutions STAFF DEFINES VENUES Venue is the most important aspect of a wedding. e choice of venue entirely depends on the scale of the wedding and the client’s requirements. Before showing possible sites to clients, we inquire about the money they are willing to spend and the expected number of guests. A small gathering of people in a huge hall can make the venue look empty; similarly, a large gathering will have a negative impact in the short-term and at a small venue can make guests feel suffocated. a more positive one in the long haul. ere are various factors that must be taken into account while choosing a venue, no matter how VENUES FOR WEDDINGS beautiful it may be. A property is often defined by Earlier, weddings had a gathering of about 1000 its staff. Good and friendly staff can help a small guests but now the same has reduced to 400-600 property in becoming a popular brand. guests on an average. Lawns are been replaced by banquets. Clients are increasingly moving THE IMPACT OF REGULATIONS towards hotels. e need for a good property is ere has been a huge impact of demonetisation rising and new properties are also coming DID YOU on almost all industries. Clients were already with unique and creative ideas. KNOW? stressed because of their functions and Kenyan IMPACTED BY FILMS demonetisation added to their woes with are spit-on transactions not taking place on time. Gradually, e Indian film industry has been the by their father however, things settled down. biggest influencer when it comes to to avoid Indian weddings. Now, clients come up jinxing e ban on sale of liquor along highways hasn’t with various demands that they see in good fortune affected us much. GST, on the other hand, is movies. One such popular demand is that going to affect big weddings. Now, the client will of synchronised dance performances in have to spend more for the venue. at said, the the functions. is has added a fresh task coming in of GST is an indicator of growth for to our list - arranging a good choreographer. our economy and the impact we are talking about Overall, the industry has had a positive impact.

MICEtalk July 2017 23 Photograph by Pankaj Anand Joshua Alvaro Antao and Ayesha Kirti Gurung Owners Pataka Events

WEDDINGS IN GOA Being in the industry for many years, we share a very good relationship with 5-star properties all across Goa. We have good relations with vendors and suppliers so we know how and where to source products and execute whatever is required for a successful wedding in Goa. ere is no such thing as an average amount spent because different clients have different budgets and we customise the entire wedding based on the client’s budget. Hotels and resorts are gaining more traction with people looking for stay, venue, food and drinks, all under one roof. It becomes more feasible to get an all-inclusive package, especially because 90 per cent of Goa's business runs on destination weddings. PICKING OUT THE VENUE We first look at what the client wants to achieve in terms of décor and detailing and the type of venue setting. We then take into account the as well as references of current planners and number of guests the client is wishing to invite. their experience working with them. Company We believe that the venue should be appropriate profiles and artist profiles are a pre-requisite for for the number of guests being invited and not shortlisting a vendor before suggesting them to look too empty. e right amount of people at a client. the venue creates a good vibe. CHALLENGES DIY DÉCOR We once received a request for a wedding ese days, clients are going in for very DIY (do- lunch reception where the client realised that it it-yourself) décor that is more interactive with would be hot and after warning the client well- DID YOU the guests. ey look at more personalised and in-advance, his last-minute request had to be practical décor rather than larger-than- accepted, with an air-conditioned venue being KNOW? life structures. Rustic and minimalistic set up in less than 32 hours. Goan Catholics designs are also in. Couples are opting out have many of reception stages and going in for more PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORIES Indian customs table-to-table greetings. Wedding videos and photography help create and traditions a good wedding story, making the entire plot when it VENDOR SELECTION for the wedding fun for the couple and the comes to Vendors are chosen based on certain guests. Drones are now a very important part of weddings parameters such as quality, timelines, , giving a lot of dimension and scale of work undertaken in the past to cinematography.

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Hemant Tenneti Senior Area Director of Operations – South Asia Marriott International LURING THE INDIAN WEDDING BUSINESS e social segment is different from the corporate segment, as it requires customisation and not a standard format. e corporate segment works on a plus or minus 20 per cent variant standard format, whereas in the social segment, the requirements have to be customised because of diverse cultures and rituals. Even though it is a lucrative segment, the challenge is in understanding the needs and being able to offer solutions pertaining to them. SHAADI BY MARRIOTT We have rolled out a pan India campaign called Shaadi by Marriott, for which a video was launched about 8-10 months ago. e video has organically grown into being sub-personal. We are activating the brand with each of our hotels in terms of collaterals, execution, special menus, and everything associated with it. We have also launched the by Marriott campaign, where we give options to the guest based on the tier or the budget for expenditure, than spending money on 500-600 people that and a destination of their choice. We are going they barely know. to launch a few more campaigns over the next six months. COME WHAT MAY, WE WILL ADAPT e demonetisation impact was temporary, DID YOU FILMY DÉCOR but we did witness a slow pace. People will Décor and themes are largely influenced by spend on their wedding notwithstanding the KNOW? the Indian films industry. Any latest movie economical hiccup. e trend now is to reduce In the Philippines, or a popular song, apparels, etc., that are the attendance of people. Demonetisation has it is considered in trend act as influencers. e rituals had no impact. With GST, the ripple effect is disastrous if are traditional, but the execution of the yet to be seen until the next quarter. Whether the outfit is rituals does change as people are looking the increase in tax by 75 per cent is going to tried on the at innovative ways to stand out. is has predominantly affect someone to spend less, is day before the made destination weddings a huge trend. too early to determine. Liquor ban has definitely wedding People are now taking small gatherings to seen some effect with customers preferring to a destination for two to three nights, rather serve liquor on limited events.

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Srijan Vadhera General Manager Fairmont Jaipur

HUMANISING ELEMENT demonitisation. While weddings are a committed Fairmont Jaipur has found its much-coveted spend, even bookings from our other MICE place on the list of the most preferred choices segments come from some of the most reputed for destination weddings for people throughout business and corporate houses from across the globe. While our clients hail from different the globe. countries with varied demands and expectations, one element remains constant - the decisions IMITATING FILMS within this category are more emotionally driven e movies, the stars, and the glitz and glamour as compared to other segments within the MICE that comes with them is an essential element of a category. We have to engage with our clients and dream wedding. We have had countless weddings treat them like a part of our extended families to in which the list of celebrities has been endless help them curate one of their most celebrated from India and across the globe. Simultaneously, milestones. Meetings are held time and again to couples want to emulate weddings and themes reaffirm their decisions. drawing inspiration from their favourite silver screen weddings. WEDDING DÉCOR e big fat Indian wedding is getting bigger by THE HICCUPS the day. Usually, one would think of the basic Lots of Indian families are getting into functions - the , a sangeet, the destination weddings without realising the mehendi ceremony and the wedding followed Herculean task that they have set out to by a reception. But now, modern-day brides accomplish. Despite having an army of wedding are delving deeper into traditional auspicious planners and professionals to take care of the practices and bringing them back to life. us, many elements, Indian weddings require DID YOU the number of functions and the varied list of a lot of involvement personally from formalities keep growing as do the costs and the core family members and even the KNOW? Scottish tradition themes for décor options. bride and groom. As time progresses, sees the happy the wedding segment is only going to couple covered in BUSINESS AS USUAL witness a boom. Destination weddings alcohol, treacle, Business has continued as usual despite the will share a healthy portion of this impending issues of GST, liquor ban, and projected growth. ash, feathers, and flour to ward off evil spirits

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not compromise on grandeur and festivity. e average residential wedding would cost somewhere around `70 lakh. EXPERIMENTING WITH THEMES e wedding trends we see today are of colour- themed weddings; a lot of discerning couples also plan their wedding with eco-friendly décor as their share to preserve the environment. In terms of meals, people experiment with diverse cuisines and bite-sized meal portions and offbeat entertainment at the wedding.

While one part is open to experimentation and opts for quirky and unique weddings, the trend of going traditional will never fade. As they say, old is gold, the traditional wedding with a pangat thali

Photograph by Mahima Bhatia Photography is one of the most sought-after wedding themes Debarati Bose we do. People have moved on from the older Director of Sales and Marketing options of having weddings in a wedding hall and JW Marriott Hotel Pune prefer having their weddings in hotels as it is more convenient and hassle free. LESS IS MORE In weddings today, less is more in terms of You get top-notch quality of stay, food, and other themes and décor. Couples prefer to have amenities. People also pick offbeat destinations quaint destination weddings with their closest for their weddings. friends and family. People opt for chic over loud. Traditional Indian experiences with a pangat- NOT AFFECTED BY THE BAN style seating and thalis are increasingly gaining Fortunately, we are one of the few hotels popularity. Generally, the duration of the stay that have not been affected by the liquor ban. during weddings is about two nights/three days. Demonetisation to some extent worked in ROLE OF DMCs our favour as large-scale weddings (over DID YOU We work with key DMCs such as Horizon WIE 3000 pax), which we were unable to and Vivah. At JW Marriott Pune, utmost accommodate, were being reduced to KNOW? importance lies on quality. On case-to- smaller sizes like 500-1000 pax, which we In many case basis, we are open to the vendor/ could execute. western suppliers that bring the finest quality countries, it of work to the table and do not stick to OUT-OF-THE-BOX REQUESTS is considered anyone in particular. One time, on the wedding day, the groom’s father had misplaced his outfit that he was supposed bad luck if it PLANNING THE BUDGET rains on the to wear during the wedding ceremony. e wedding day When it comes to wedding planning, hotel helped him purchase a new people like to spend lavishly and do outfit immediately.

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Veronica See Director of Sales & Business Development Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa, Langkawi LOOKING TO GROW Our resort is still in the infancy stage as a destination wedding venue for Indian weddings as compared to other brands and chains of hotels. Visibility and awareness of our resort as a steering away from purely fresh fl oral displays to wedding venue is still lacking. is is a challenge statement props that create a ‘wow’ factor. we are currently trying to remedy. VENDORS RIGHT MARKETING Our weddings are tailored to the needs of We have reached out to wedding planners in couples. Hence, we have an array of vendors India to create more visibility for Meritus Pelangi that we engage to create the dream wedding as a wedding destination for the Indian market. that guests demand. Wherever possible, we Targeted advertising has also been placed to create engage local vendors on the island, and where awareness of the product. is also includes an specialists are required, we engage vendors from online platform such as the resort’s social media around Malaysia. accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and popular wedding portals. Participating at wedding fairs MAIN CHALLENGES has created a presence but nothing speaks like One of the main challenges of planning a DID YOU experience. Hence, we often invite bloggers successful Indian wedding is defi nitely logistics. to experience weddings at Meritus Pelangi. Logistics of bringing outsourced items at the last KNOW? minute, planning, and detailed organisation are Italian couples PERSONAL STYLE crucial to a destination wedding. must face a series ese days, everything is about style; of challenges from bridal outfi ts to colour themes and UNIQUE REQUESTS en route to the table arrangements, everything speaks of We have had to co-ordinate a unique Bollywood ceremony to put the couple’s style and likings. Wedding entrance to the ceremony where the groom their couples are moving towards more wanted to enter the function by jet-ski and a skills to the test contemporary, tasteful elegance in place helicopter landing on the beach for the bride of excessive boldness, whilst maintaining the with minimum sand fl ying over the bride. is traditional elements of their ceremonies and was tough but we managed to get it done.

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Alok Kaul Director of Operations JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity UNIQUE ENTRY CONCEPTS DEMONETISATION AND THE INDUSTRY In terms of trends, people are requesting new Demonetisation has definitely affected the décor concepts and unique concepts for the wedding market; weddings are now being bride and groom entry. Flowers are slowly downsized. Liquor ban and GST, however, have being replaced by LED lights. Stage seating is not had much affect. becoming more grand, while eating tables are fast fading away. OUR VENDORS We work with Q Events by Geeta Samuel, BASIC CHALLENGES E Factor, Karsun Events, and Aura to name a few. Two out of 10 weddings are residential weddings. Katalyst is our partner for entertainment and us, filling up banquet spaces with non- artist management. residential weddings becomes a challenge to fill rooms in hotels of higher inventory. Music and RITUALS FOR REGIONAL WEDDINGS bar timings are also challenging at times as some ere are a number of rituals in Indian weddings start late, leaving only two hours of weddings that surround the main function. Some music or bar at the event. of them are:- Godh Tikka: It is a pre-wedding function that Indian weddings are growing in terms of number can be termed as an engagement ceremony. of events, which includes both pre-wedding and Family Sangeet: An evening for family DID YOU post-wedding functions. Lack of venue options is performances and cocktails. KNOW? also a challenge at times. Mehendi: Afternoon brunch where In Italy, Sunday the bride’s arms are being tattooed is believed to with mehendi. be the luckiest Ghurchari: A ceremony where the day on which groom gets ready for the wedding and to be betrothed the wedding entourage departs for the venue. Vidai: e ceremony where the bride is bid farewell. Reception: A dinner for family and friends of the groom.

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Alok Chakravarty an avant-garde and well-thought-out menu. A Director of Sales and Marketing new line of thinking is in vogue that attempts Shangri-La’s - Eros Hotel, New Delhi to bring a small selection of dishes cooked fresh and healthy, instantly appealing to the modern DIVIDED SEGMENTS palate. Favourite dishes shrunk down to bite ere exists a very significant divide amongst sizes delight guests. At the same time, couples the public with a growing proportion opting want to integrate their regional heritage, culinary for destination weddings, moving away and otherwise, into the wedding theme. e from wedding halls and banquets. However, concept of brunching at weddings is winning consumers of the classic setup account for a major over other options as this menu offers mind proportion of the market. In that, Shangri-La’s - boggling variety. Global trends are consistently Eros Hotel, New Delhi, is one of the most sought- being looked at for inspiration. A significant after properties with its exquisite interiors and proportion of the market is getting away from top-notch arrangements and catering. e traditional themes and going for corporate-style opulence of our Grand Ballroom with an attached weddings. People are going for personalisation, garden terrace adds to the elegance. decreasing the number of guests but increasing their per-person spend, and incorporating their UTILISING THE DATABASE personal stories and interests in everything from e team at Shangri-La aims to tap the wedding décor to food. Modernisation is also hitting the market through dedicated efforts in the direction. industry with the revamping of retro drapes, e team has an extensive database of potential minimalist silhouettes, and bold colours. ere clientele, does extensive market research on is also a growing demand for new cuisines at the needs of the consumers and the changing weddings in order to stand out from the crowd. trends in the industry, and plans accordingly in DID YOU keeping with the specific tastes of the patrons. CHALLENGES AND MORE In addition to this, digital marketing and e most fundamental challenges of planning KNOW? partnering with wedding portals is also a wedding stem from the fact that for Indians, In Romania, the very essential. their wedding day is the most important day of bride’s family their lives. e hotel, when entrusted with the pretends to GLOBAL TASTES responsibility and honour of serving this day, kidnap her, and With frequent travel abroad, the wedding goes above and beyond to ensure that everything the groom must preferences of Indians are gaining new goes perfectly. e bride, for one, is needed to win her back and premium tastes. Guests who come to be looked after in this anxious time. Sometimes, through romantic these weddings are now better travelled, unreasonable expectations pertaining to gestures exposed to a variety of exotic world cuisine, the arrangements are put on the organisers, and have developed much more evolved ending up in a significant mismatch with the palates. is makes it imperative to design decided budget.

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Perkin Rocha Area Director, Haryana Lemon Tree Hotels

TARGETING THE WEDDING BUSINESS EXTERNAL INFLUENCES Lemon Tree Hotels is primarily a chain of A major influence that the film industry of India upscale and midscale business hotels. Today, has had on the wedding market is the concept customers have umpteen options and are spoiled of destination weddings and fashion. We saw for choice. Competition from leisure hotels is our an increase in the number of pre and post greatest challenge. Also, from a product offering wedding functions. perspective, we are foraying into destination hotels and conventions. Functions like sangeet and mehendi are also increasingly being held with more INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES guests getting invited, quite unlike how ere is a growing focus on MICE at Lemon such functions were more of a private affair Tree Hotels. e newly opened Lemon Tree earlier. Hiring of celebrity choreographers Hotel and Red Fox Hotel at Sector 60, Gurugram, for dance performances, skits, etc., is also and its 20,000 sqft modern convention centre becoming popular. come across as a great option to host weddings. At present, we are also appointing catering sales CHALLENGES OF AN INDIAN WEDDING specialists and are closely working with event At Lemon Tree Hotels, the main planning of management teams and wedding planners. the wedding starts after the booking of the Besides this, Lemon Tree Hotel, Tarudhan Valley, venue. e wedding segment is a sensitive one Haryana, presents an ideal option for destination since people are emotionally connected to it, weddings. Moreover, the Lemon Tree Hotel, right from guests to the bride and groom. East Delhi Mall, is another alternative to cater ere is no space for an apology or DID YOU to MICE business including pre and post compensation in case of any mistake or wedding functions. omission at our end. KNOW? Queen Victoria WELCOME CHANGE Growth in this segment is huge because was one of the Lemon Tree Hotels has welcomed the cashless everyone just spends and does not think first to have pure move by the government. We are urging of returns. ree decades ago, people white icing on her customers to choose from various cashless hardly thought about a lavish wedding options to make bookings such as credit cards, function that has now become a trend wire transfers, and Lemon Tree Smiles points. and a general expectation. A person in India Mobile or e-wallets will soon be accepted at our spends one-fifth of the wealth accumulated select hotels. e business at large has not been in a lifetime on a wedding ceremony. at affected by the liquor ban as our hotels are more means a tremendous opportunity for retailers than 500 metres away from the highways. to capitalise on.

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SM Azmat President Sales & Marketing Jaypee Hotels and Resorts

OPTIONS GALORE props and locations. Destination weddings e challenges of getting the wedding business are the new rage as they offer new settings are not any different from the challenges of for the grand event. e 5-star luxury chain, getting the conference business. e guest has Jaypee Hotels, offers five excellent destinations, ample choice, from wedding banquet venues, in New Delhi and others in fabulous destinations to farm houses, to 4 and 5-star hotels, all like Agra and Mussoorie. contenders for the same social business. e challenge is to differentiate in terms of venue, NO EFFECT OF THE BAN choices in the menu, ambience, location, luxury e demonetisation impact on the big Indian offerings, accommodation offerings, and finally, wedding was for a brief period of 2-3 months distribution - the ability to reach out to the post launch of the move. ings have since customer first. normalised and it is business as usual. In fact, the segment is recording excellent growth figures. PLETHORA OF STRATEGIES Jaypee Hotels has not been adversely affected Innovative marketing strategies are adopted to by the liquor ban. e upcoming GST roll-out is reach out to the customer. From the conventional yet to be experienced. e segment we are in is telephone listings; print ads in newspapers; levied with 28 per cent GST, which is a deterrent. general interest, women-oriented, and wedding magazines to digital marketing including THE HICCUPS Google-enabled outreach via SEO and SEM; Understanding the requirements and philosophy social media marketing; brand website; wedding in the initial meeting with the parents of the -focused websites, and high-traffic generating bride/groom helps set the tone and benchmarks B2C websites, all avenues of exposure of the hotel for the overall final offering. Challenges in are explored. e offline as well as the online organising the big social event are handled deftly wedding customer’s purchase journey is tracked initially by the sales team at customer location, DID YOU and mapped and an integrated marketing then by the experienced operations team on site. KNOW? approach is adopted and implemented for e social segment is the growth engine for hotels German maximum benefit. in general and Jaypee Hotels is no exception. 'saw' a INCLUSION OF INNOVATION OUT-OF-THE-BOX REQUESTS log in half in front of their guests in a Weddings today are becoming more and Wacky last-minute requests come from more innovative in terms of décor and wedding planners and customers. Due to the ceremony known ambience. With high costs not being a no space constraints and lots-to-do destinations, as Baumstamm deterrent, wedding venues and planners we are always able to accommodate out-of- Sägen today are experimenting with a lot of the-box requests and ideas.

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Ipsita Ganguli Director of Sales & Marketing JW Marriott Hotel Kolkata

INNOVATIVE MARKETING exotic vegetables in the menu. e maximum ere are various marketing strategies that are footfall is in the ‘live’ counters. As a result, while being carried out at the property and pan India in the past there were fewer live stations, the levels through Shaadi by Marriott. ese include number of counters has significantly gone up. our ‘Honeymoon on Us’ campaign, wedding features in various magazines as well as online OUR PARTNERS and social media promotions. Also, word-of- e vendors we engage are mainly chosen by the mouth publicity acts as the most important guests. As a hotel, we do associate with all the source, therefore, we believe in top-class vendors present in the city, in case the guests customer satisfaction. want us to suggest or arrange for anything. LIVE COUNTERS EXTRAVAGANCE APLENTY In the recent past, floral themes have been Most weddings demand a lot of glamour, quite in demand and also guests prefer original extravagance, exquisite exhibits, and flowers over artificial, as per the season. For international cuisines. Wedding planners have entertainment, most guests like to hire women risen to the demands and hotels have been very or men dressed up in clothes that are in sync able partners in hosting such magnificent DID YOU with the theme, welcoming the guests or even grand shows. performing on stage. KNOW? In China, the day It is an opportunity to highlight both after the wedding, Guests nowadays prefer cabanas or sofa the hotel as well as wedding-related the bride is to have arrangements over traditional chairs and tables. experts to the select community in Also, the arrangement should have room for the city. all but one lock movement and interaction with a lot of open of her hair shaved spaces. For food, most guests have a preference IN THE NICK OF TIME off to symbolise for international cuisines apart from We once had a last-minute demand for cleanliness traditional spreads. an international specialty chef. Being an international chain, we were successfully e guest’s demands also include international able to fly in chefs from other Marriott hotels exotic fruits for the health conscious and use of around the world.

MICEtalk July 2017 35 cruise

MARR AGES are made at sea Not only are cruise weddings still a huge novelty in India, they also allow agents to have wider margins while making it easier for the family to organise the once-in-a-lifetime event

Hazel Jain

36 MICEtalk July 2017 cruise

ove over destination weddings, nuptials onboard programme for the day, have dedicated hospitality desks, a cruise liner is the way to go now. While the dedicated check-in/check-out counters and more,” Sampat idea of cruising itself is still struggling to get the adds. However, while fire is an essential element for a Hindu Indian holidaymaker’s attention as an option wedding, it is not allowed on-board due to safety reasons. e to holiday, history has shown that we like to get way more company will now be promoting its new next-generation ship, Madventurous when it comes to weddings! Purely based on this MSC Meraviglia, for weddings and promises to offer more quirkiness, perhaps weddings on cruise liners may just take off value for wedding planners. in the Indian market. STAR OF THE SHOW Paving the way to make this a possibility are multiple Meanwhile, Star Cruises and Dream Cruises ships are also international cruise liners who have already connected the equipped to host Indian weddings and offer a variety of dots and are equating the idea of cruising with ‘life events’ of packages. e ‘Wedding At Sea’ package includes everything which wedding is a huge part. Take for example MSC Cruises. that a couple needs to celebrate their nuptials, including Promoted by Sharaf Travels in India, MSC Cruises has special beautiful venues, Champagne toast, wedding cake, and Indian packages for weddings. Kunal Sampat, General Manager - vegetarian or international cuisine. Besides, an experienced India, MSC Cruises, explains, “Indian weddings as compared wedding co-ordinator is also available to assist them in the to others are enormous spectacles. At MSC Cruises, we ensure planning process. the client can live out their romantic dream. Be it a symbolic ceremony on-board or renewal of vows, we have packages Naresh Rawal, VP Sales – India, Genting Cruise Lines, adds, designed for different occasions. Our events team co-ordinates “Elaborate Indian ceremonies can be accomplished with all the with the planner to gather all the requirements. Once the marriage rituals to commemorate the most important day of same is provided, we shortlist the best possible venues on- their life as they’ve always imagined it. e couple and their board. We can also support by providing extra services to families can also avail of spa and beauty treatments, flowers enhance the ceremony which include culinary delights, video (including custom orders), professional photography and and photo packages, live ceremonial music and more. Once videography, transportation to and from the ship or wedding the ceremonies are complete, we can even offer ‘Him & Her’ location, priority check-in, and a variety of deluxe packages.” options. We can even arrange for the sangeet and mehendi ceremonies, ranging from an elegant cocktail reception with MSC Cruises’ ships can accommodate anything between gourmet selections and open bar to a four-course sit-down 2200-4500 passengers. e clincher it seems is how early the lunch on with wine service.” client books. “We have various venues available onboard that can be allocated to the group based on the size. We could have For couples who wish to re-confirm their love at sea can also ceremonies in the lounges, on the open deck, in the Royal choose their ‘Vow Renewal’ package which offers married theatre, etc. We can also provide customised menus along couples the opportunity to celebrate their love all over again with beverages, specially print personal motif on our daily with a private vow renewal ceremony performed by one of programme sheets, dedicate a TV channel displaying their the ship’s officers. e package includes ceremony music, a

TOP WEDDING CRUISE LINERS The top two cruise liners for weddings for CruiseClub Vacations are: Lueftner Cruises, that is popular for weddings on river cruises in Europe, and Star Cruises for Indian weddings in Singapore.

Elaborate Indian ceremonies can be accomplished with all the rituals that they've imagined

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romantic single red rose, Champagne toast, a A poolside party closed the event with the cutting celebration cake for two, a commemorative vow of the wedding cake, prepared by the Costa’s renewal certificate, sparkling wine, canapes, corporate chef – an extraordinary 12-level dessert India is a and chocolate-covered strawberries delivered weighing 140 kilos, almost three metres high. last-minute to their stateroom at the end of the ceremony. Star Cruises and Dream Cruises offer Indian, Speaking about allowing fire ceremonies on board, market international, vegetarian and even Jain meals. Gupta says, “We may now be willing to explore and group e menu can be upgraded for wedding groups that possibility with our Safety Officer supervising bookings on and decided in consultation with the family and it. We have been very keen on having Indian chef on board. “It means any community from weddings on-board Costa ships, but due to safety cruises can India can organise a wedding on a Star Cruises guidelines of the fire ceremony, we were unable to get very tricky ship,” Rawal adds. explore this segment.” Costa will create wedding during peak brochures with specific itineraries for the Indian season CHARTERS FOR WEDDINGS market. e guest has to just buy the cabins, and Meanwhile, Costa Cruises recently hosted a everything from food, entertainment, and venue lavish wedding of Adel Sajan, son of the UAE- is taken care of. Only alcohol and excursions are based Indian business tycoon, with Sana Khan, chargeable over and above the cabin price. “Even on-board the Costa Fascinosa cruise that sailed for that, we have lots of deals, like an unlimited the Mediterranean. Nalini Gupta, MD, Lotus alcohol package, which is charged at USD 35 Destinations, GSA Costa Cruise India, says, “ is per person, per day, covering a large variety of was the first time that such a big cruise ship was alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Our ships booked for a wedding. Over 1000 guests sailed can accommodate 1500-5000 guests depending on-board the 3800-passenger capacity ship from upon the ship,” Gupta adds. Two things that Costa Barcelona to Marseille, and then to Cannes before doesn’t allow, however, is any décor that interferes finally stopping at Savona.” She thinks that Indian with the physical structure of the ship and alcohol weddings and a cruise have a perfect fit, enabling bottles from outside. the bride and groom to actually enjoy their wedding. is was seen at the recent wedding of CHARMING RIVER CRUISES Sana and Adel where guests didn't have to worry at may be a huge dampener for Indian about travelling to different venues for ceremonies. families to opt for an ocean cruise. But what

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ACCOMMODATION AND SERVICES

While Star Cruises offers a more contemporary style of cruising, Dream Cruises’ Genting Dream is known as the first Asian luxury cruise with 18 decks, 35 restaurant and bar concepts, features firework at sea, and the iconic Singapore nightclub, Zouk At Sea. Accommodations reflect both size and choice for travellers with over 70 per cent of staterooms featuring private balconies and 100 connecting rooms catering to groups. Two floors of lavish suites in the exclusive Dream Mansion feature European butler service and special guest privileges depending on the number of guests. The ship can cater to anything from 20 pax to a full charter cruise.

about river cruises? Kiran Bhandari, Co-founder, wedding since these requests have generally CruiseClub Vacations based in Pune, feels that come only five or six months prior to the sail date. the latest trend is weddings on river cruises. Nishith Saxena, Founder & Director, Cruise “ is is quite a charming experience, as it is Professionals, says, “ is segment shall grow basically a floating hotel taking you through the only when the wedding planners start seriously beautiful European countryside landscapes, and considering cruises as a unique option and work then stopping right in the heart of cities. ese according to the cruise schedule rather than are suitable for compact groups, with most ships running a parallel operation, which sometimes with a capacity of 150-180 passengers. But the disturbs the operational efficiency of the ship.” advantage is that you can charter the entire ship, and for any duration, which is nearly impossible Also, since Indian weddings require a high level on large ocean cruises in Europe,” he adds. of customisation, offering exclusive areas for ceremonies may become a challenge, specially on Cost-wise, this turns out to be a lot more affordable a high-end ships, unless the requirements have as compared to any other cruise experience, and been provided in advance. sometimes even land-based weddings. Since the ship is entirely allocated to the group, it is a “ e whole idea of a cruise is an all-inclusive price completely private experience. As such, food and but when we start working on customisations for alcohol can be customised exactly as per the needs weddings, the costs start spiraling. On Princess of the group. Bhandari gets a lot of wedding groups Cruises ships, we have a where we for this from cities like Mumbai, Ahmedabad, can actually create and do almost anything within and Kolkata, and they are usually Marwari and reasonable deviations for Indian weddings. What Gujarati weddings. we do not allow is the Indian-style ‘pheras’ as this is a safety hazard,” Saxena clarifies. THE LATE MARKET Unfortunately, India is a last-minute market and Such elemental problems might put a spoke in group bookings on cruises can get very tricky, the wheels of cruising as an option for Indian specially during peak season. Cruise Professionals weddings, but Indians are resilient creatures and does get a lot of wedding group requests each year, their desire to be different may just finally win the but they have not had a chance to host an Indian battle with tradition.

MICEtalk July 2017 39 association Tech bent for events Sabbas Joseph, President, Event and Entertainment Management Association of India (EEMA), talks about the evolution of the events industry and how it relies a great deal on technology

Anupriya Bishnoi

What role does EEMA play in the industry? What can the events industry benefit from in EEMA is an effort to bring together leaders of the coming years? MICE, events, exhibitions, and the wedding I think it can benefit from multiple avenues. industry on one platform to be able to learn from Firstly, thinking as one, functioning as one, each other, to explore business opportunities, and at the same time being an individual, each and to think together about the future. More than one understanding their strengths and building anything else, it’s about bringing leaders together. on those strengths, thereby building their own brand will be beneficial. Secondly, certain policy Social media gives a boost to events these changes required at the government level can days. What is your take? help boost the business of the events industry. Social media has become an important tool Sabbas Joseph for promoting at a much larger scale. I can do I think that licences need to be simplified and be an event for 50 people in a room or I can use a available online. Multipurpose stadiums, football social media platform like Snapchat, Instagram, fields, and cricket stadiums should be made Facebook, Twitter, etc., and take the event to available for exhibitions, concerts, etc. is will a much larger audience across the world. I can be good for the entire industry. Once you have target different people, business influencers, all of this, you will have a lot of global players the entire business community, and get them coming into the country. to listen to what is happening at a particular event. In some ways, I am dependent on media What exactly are you doing to engage and in some I am dependent on social media to audiences during events? actually reach out to a gigantic group of people, With use of technology gaining momentum, something that was not possible before social interactive sessions have become imperative; 3D media swept the digital market. experiences have also now gone beyond touch and feel. We aim to provide audiences with How has the events industry evolved in the these experiences. past few years? I think, the events industry has been in a constant How are you providing seamless services state of evolution. Growth in the last few years to MICE clients? has been centred around technology, creativity, Events are all about hospitality, delivery, having digital forays, new ideas, new markets, etc. everything on your fingertips and your handhelds. Also, the events industry of today is not just A MICE developer has all the information and about the audience in the room but also about this can easily be made available to clients for the audience outside. a seamless experience and the smooth conduct of events.

Growth in the last few years has been centred is industry relies a great deal on technology. around technology, creativity, digital forays, In my opinion, we aren’t utilising that space well new ideas, new markets enough; there is a lot more that we can do.

40 MICEtalk July 2017 trends MICE ‘Inn’ Kochi Kunal Shanker, General Manager, Holiday Inn Cochin, talks about the MICE facilities at the hotel and the unique offerings the hotel provides at the events it hosts

Kindly tell us about the banqueting and conferencing space at the hotel. Holiday Inn Cochin currently has a total conference and banqueting space of 8655 sqft including a large pre-function area. We have five halls that have the capacity to host events for 50-500 guests. e Grand Ballroom is the newest addition to the hotel and can seat upto 500 guests.

What is your USP for MICE? e USP for the hotel’s MICE facilities would be:- to Indian and Arabic. We are also famous • Customised décor and diverse setups for serving authentic local cuisines from all parts • Flexible conference and meeting spaces of Kerala. • Breakaway rooms • Event management services What kind of a booking window does the • Culinary finesse hotel require for larger MICE events? • High-speed internet and Wi-Fi connectivity Kerala, being a MICE destination and one that • State-of-the-art technology is sought for conducting large city-wide events and conferences, makes the booking window What kind of technical expertise can the hotel vary from a month to two years, depending offer in its events space? on the type of event or conference. e city Actionable insights, designing and delivering of Kochi still has limited inventory and if not Kunal Shanker exciting experiences for both MICE and booked well in advance, there could be chances of weddings, a team of experts that can handle non-availability of rooms and meeting venues. events of any capacity, and technical expertise e MICE segment is growing at more than from audio/visual to video conferencing are a double-digit pace and we expect few of the many facilities that we offer to that it will keep growing our clients. at a faster pace with the recent change in Tell us about the specialised cuisines you the state excise policy, offer at events. prior to which the We have five F&B outlets in the hotel and we have state had seen an eclectic culinary menu. We serve different some diversion cuisines from Italian, Chinese, and Continental of clients.

We have a total meeting space of 8655 sqft and five halls that have the capacity to host events for 50-500 guests

MICEtalk July 2017 41 trends

Ajay Seth Head, MICE (Outbound) Cox & Kings ailand and Dubai continue to be the most preferred short-haul destinations for corporates who want to take their dealers/ high-performing employees for incentive holidays. One of the advantages that these two destinations have is connectivity. From India, the connectivity is from Tier-I and Tier-II destinations and this helps corporates when fi nalising their incentive programmes. Another advantage is the sheer inventory of hotel rooms and availability of Indian cuisine that makes it attractive. Russia is the new destination that has emerged in the fi rst half of this year due to weakness in currency and connectivity from key metros such as Mumbai and Delhi. For corporates with a limited budget, this is an ideal option. Destinations such as Moscow and St. Petersburg are the preferred choice. Finally, European destinations such as UK, France, and Switzerland continue to be all- time favourites. All the leading hospitality chains such as Marriott, Starwood, and Hilton have been the hotspot for MICE this year. MI CE The UN World Economic Situation and Prospects’ revised report for mid-2017 projects a downward revision of growth for India mid-year from 7.7 per cent to 7.3 per cent. MICEtalk fi nds out from Kanchan Nath leading agents how the fi rst half of 2017 has been for them

Meera Charnalia Senior Vice President and Head - MICE Thomas Cook India Our MICE segment at omas Cook India has shown tremendous potential and it is a sector that we have strongly and actively been focusing on. With a magical 'brag factor' and aspirational value, international MICE trips have always been a great motivator for employees and dealers. 2017 has been a promising year so far, for us at omas Cook India. While London, Paris, Rome, and Singapore are all-time favourites, we have witnessed a strong demand for long- haul destinations such as Australia. Eastern Europe and New Zealand have emerged as the top selling destinations, courtesy their diversity of spectacular scenic beauty and engaging adventure and outdoor experiences that appeal to our discerning MICE market. e Marriott and Hilton groups have been our major focus for MICE this year, thanks to their in-depth understanding of the Indian MICE market and our unique and specifi c requirements. Our strong relationship and defi ned processes (from exclusive check-ins, cuisine elements, Indian chefs, adequate space for conventions and gala events, etc.) ensures seamless execution and customer delight. trends

Zelam Chaubal Director Kesari MICE Destinations like Hong Kong, South Africa, Dubai, ailand, Bali, Singapore, Amsterdam, Prague, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, and Tashkent have been popular for outbound MICE so far in 2017. In terms of hotel chains, international brands of Marriott, Hilton, Four Seasons, Swissôtel, and Sheraton have been popular. A few local brands have also been a hotspot for MICE this year.

Nitin Hardi Managing Director – India ATPI in e most popular destinations among Indians still seem to be the far east, mainly ailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and MI CE Singapore. Dubai also remains one of the most frequently visited destinations. Marriott Hotels along with AccorHotels, IHG, and indigenous hospitality chains of Taj, Oberoi, and Sarovar Hotels are among the hotels that mid-year are popular for MICE. Kanchan Nath

Manpreet Bindra Vice President – MICE FCM Travel Solutions, India Dubai has always been an evergreen MICE destination owing to its easy visa policies, short-haul fl ights, and plenty of carrier options. With a plethora of world-class hotels to off er, Dubai was one of the most sought-after destinations in the fi rst half of 2017, not just for leisure travel but equally prized for Indian MICE. e list is never-ending when it comes to entertainment. e desert safari is the most popular along with upcoming attractions like IMG World of Adventure and Dubai Parks & Resorts that have seen a stunning demand of late. World- class restaurants and some of the world’s best and biggest shopping malls are also a big draw, especially for incentive trips that include families. At FCM, we think Singapore and Hong Kong are the next preferred destinations along with Abu Dhabi, which is also gaining popularity. Popular resorts for MICE in Dubai include Dubai JW Marquis and Grand Hyatt.

MICEtalk July 2017 43 hotel BELAGAVI on your itinerary, yet? Pallav Singhal, Hotel Manager, Fairfield by Marriott Belagavi, throws light on the potential Belagavi holds as a MICE destination and how the hotel aims to tap this market Tripti Mehta

ndian travellers seek adventure and beautifully appointed 240 sqm Crystal Ballroom exploration wherever they go. Destinations features a column-free design and is adjoined by within the country are as enticing as those lush green lawns. ere is a pre-function area abroad and Belagavi promises to be just that. with a separate entrance, making your function a Set along the Western Ghats, Belagavi is a city that private and exclusive affair. Iremains largely unexplored. Its forts, temples, and waterfalls stand tall as travellers pass by, without What activities do you have in store including them in their must-visit list. for MICE groups? Fairfield by Marriott Belagavi is the perfect hotel Why Belagavi for Marriott? for MICE groups. In terms of activity within the Pallav Singhal Belagavi is the commercial hub and divisional hotel, we have huge gardens and grounds that headquarters of North Karnataka, ranking second are suitable for events of varied sizes. It is a nice to Bengaluru in terms of automotive exports. terrain with natural hindrances. We have also As Belagavi grows as a business and leisure tied up with local companies and agents that have destination, there is a great demand for higher group-building activities like paint ball. Hence, if quality mid-range accommodation in the city. MICE groups are looking for such activities, we have a number of options for them. Tell us about the events space at the hotel. Our two meeting rooms have state-of-the-art Belagavi is a medical education hub. All big audio-visual equipment, high speed wireless medicine companies have one foot in the internet access, and multi-media conferencing city and time and again conduct unorganised facilities with 24-hour assistance and service exhibitions in the city. We aim to provide them that will take care of your business needs. e with organised and well-planned events that banqueting facilities at the hotel, both indoor and cater to all their needs. One category in which outdoor, are spread over an area of 1000 sqm. e we are already popular is that of bikers groups.

44 MICEtalk July 2017 incentives

Indian Scout, Harley, and Ducati are the ones we We have launched attractive packages with key have already catered to. We need both leisure and business groups to come in on a regular basis. partners for residential destination weddings

What do you have on offer for weddings? the northern ones. Connectivity via road is already Belagavi is a price-sensitive market. We are super. We need to change the mindset of the Getting to BELAGAVI trying to position ourselves to those customers people to travel to this destination. Belagavi hasn’t BY AIR who would like to do a destination wedding but, traditionally been used by people as a destination for whatever reason, cannot afford to go to Agra, they can stay at. More than the property, Daily flights from Jaipur, Jaisalmer or Goa. We want to promote it is the destination that needs to be promoted. Bengaluru and Mumbai ourselves as a residential wedding destination and therefore, have launched attractive packages You say it is important to promote the BY TRAIN with key partners. One of the packages that we destination. Is that being done enough? Regular trains from have launched for residential weddings costs is is where we are in talks with the government major cities `50,000 per room, per day, for two occupants. to understand and see what they are doing to is includes room, all meals, hall, basic promote the destination. e city has never been decoration, and basic entertainment. ere is promoted for anything. Otherwise, there is a lot BY ROAD another package for the local market for `200,000 of activity which is happening around here. is Driving distance from net. is would include a function of up to has been announced as one of the smart cities. Goa: 130 kms 200 people and entail food and beverage, hall, We have launched packages of several kinds Driving distance from basic décor, and basic music. e package that are available on our website. ere are six Bengaluru: 505 kms substantially boils down to `1,000 per head to seven locations of historical importance with everything included. We also have ample within the city. Additionally, a new airport number of venues for various functions, starting is being constructed with the purpose of from mehendi to sangeet, wedding to reception. starting another airline to come here under the In addition, we can provide local shopping Prime Minister’s UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam experiences at preferential rates. We haven’t Naagrik) scheme. received such a demand yet but, proactively, have already discussed this option with local vendors. What makes this hotel different from others We also offer to take guests out, if required, for a under the Fairfield brand? day to Goa or Kolhapur, just to take them out of We have changed so much about the the hotel. ese are the plethora of options we are Fairfield brand for this region. Pure willing to provide for a residential wedding group business or corporate travel is not at literally half the price. If need be, we can give going to contribute to more than up to 80 rooms for wedding accommodation. 40 per cent of the business; what is really going to drive growth is leisure that includes What do you view as hindrances to progress? the weekend stays, the MICE groups, and e only deterrent at this moment is air the summer vacationists. We aim to position connectivity from other Indian cities, especially the hotel more as a leisure destination.

MICEtalk July 2017 45 visa Visa Updates

No departure cards for US visa to include Indian travellers from July 1 social media information According to an order issued by A new enforcement by the Trump the Union Home Ministry, from administration includes an extreme visa July 1, 2017, Indians flying screening process for foreign nationals, abroad will not have to fill including those from India, under departure cards. is move will which applicants might be asked to enable hassle-free movement of share information regarding their social Indians going abroad. Indians are media accounts, e-mails, and telephone already not required to fill such numbers. e State Department, which cards on their arrival in India. issues visas to foreign nationals through With this step, the time taken to its diplomatic missions across the world, complete immigration formalities said that it started implementing this will reduce considerably. new change from May 25, but these additional questions would be asked only in extreme circumstances. e State Mumbai Port to get Department took these measures after President Trump signed an executive e-Visa facility from December order in this regard. “In accordance with Mumbai Port will soon be among those Indian ports in the country that the memorandum on enhancing the will be able to offer e-Visa facilities to international cruise passengers. NS screening and vetting of applications Rathor, Chairman, Western Region and Regional Chapter Chairman, Indian for visas, the Department of State has Association of Tour Operators (IATO), says, “I was part of the meeting begun collecting additional information between Sanjay Bhatia, Chairman, Mumbai Port Trust, and the Bureau of from visa applicants worldwide when Immigration officials who have principally agreed to allow the port to offer a consular officer determines that such e-Visa facilities by December, 2017. Currently, only Mangalore, Goa, and information is required to confirm Kochi offer this.” Talks are on to offer this service identity or conduct more rigorous from Chennai seaport soon. national security vetting,” said Will Cocks, a State Department spokesperson.

Indians can now apply online for Australian visa from July 1, 2017 e Australian High Commission and Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection have announced that all Indian nationals will be able to lodge visitor visa applications for Australia, online, from July 1, 2017. e Acting Australian High Commissioner to India, Chris Elstoft, said that eligible Indian nationals can now apply online for a visitor visa through the Department’s ImmiAccount portal. Online application offers benefits such as 24/7 accessibility and electronic payment of the visa application charge.

46 MICEtalk July 2017

CSR: Building teamwork or plastic practice? Counsellor Shivani Misri Sadhoo on how today’s business era is initiating CSR and winning the hearts of employees

ompanies today are working ahead of time to and hence, objectives are achieved at a much maintain balance of performance management faster pace. while enabling social engagement through e. Individuals feel more positive and confident. CSRC activities. Especially in IT companies that have Stress disappears and it reflects on their work. identified it as a way to beat the competition and to Chances of mistakes reduce and people stop stay ahead in their industry, hiring and retaining the cribbing and blaming others. ere is positivity best talent is essential. To make an organisation the all around. best place to work and to optimise the performance of its employees, companies nowadays set goals for ere are four main types of team building activities, their team leaders and managers to encourage their which include communication activities, problem- Shivani Misri Sadhoo team to practice strong team building activities. solving and/or decision-making activities, Founder Saarthi Counselling ese activities offer excellent opportunities for adaptability and/or planning activities, and Services employees to improve communication skills, morale, activities that focus on building trust. ese team motivation, productivity, and encourage them to help building activities can be learned and practised and support other employees. ey get to know each under a proper trainer’s guidance or can also be other better and learn about each other’s strengths taught to employees by organising Corporate Social and weaknesses. Responsibility (CSR) activities where employees get to work together for a common social cause Apart from the above, team building exercises deliver that helps them gain a sense of participation and the following: responsibility along with the opportunity to practise a. Team building activities improve personal teamwork.Employees get to come out of their daily relations and strengthen professional bonding. office-routine mindset and interact freely and CSR activities b. Team building activities reduce the chances of work together without hesitation. ey forget uplift an confusion and misunderstandings, in a way making each other’s ranks or positions, see each other in employee’s sense communication more effective. e individual is informal clothes and behaviour, and forget their very clear about his/her goals and objectives and sense of internal insecurity and competition, and of team spirit and what exactly is expected of him/her. talk, trust, and act with a sense of belonging to belonging c. ese exercises also increase trust among each other. CSR activities are definitely of worth the employees. to an organisation to uplift their employee’s sense d. Productivity increases when individuals work as a of team spirit and belonging. ey bring a lot team. ey tend to divide work amongst themselves of positive PR and vibe.

48 MICEtalk July 2017 events

Travel Wedding Show in Jaipur JULY 2017 from July 8-9

ARABIAN TRAVEL AWARDS Dubai 4 The second edition of Travel

TRAVEL WEDDING SHOW Jaipur 8-9 Wedding Show 2017, is

HAWAII LODGING, HOSPITALITY Honolulu 12-13 scheduled to be held in Jaipur & FOODSERVICE EXPO he Travel Wedding Show, being held in Jaipur, GLOBAL PANORAMA SHOWCASE (GPS) Ahmedabad 13 -15 Rajasthan, will be graced by Chief Guest Rajeev Jain,T Director – Rashi Entertainment, and Guest IITM Chennai 15-17 of Honour Hema Hariramani, Director–National GBTA CONVENTION Boston, USA 15-19 Sales India at Marriott International. More than GLOBAL PANORAMA SHOWCASE (GPS) Chandigarh 20 -22 30 high-profile exhibitors including Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre; e Oberoi IITM Bengaluru 21-23 Hotels & Resorts; Taj Hotels & Resorts; Ras Al INDIA TRAVEL AWARDS EAST Guwahati 26 Khaimah Tourism; Destination Canada and others are expected to be present at the event. Organised GLOBAL PANORAMA SHOWCASE (GPS) Kolkata 27-29 by PLG and DDP Exhibitions, the event addresses SINGAPORE MICE FORUM 2017 Singapore 27-28 the need for a face-to-face opportunity between the travel and wedding sectors. AUGUST 2017

INDONESIA B2B MEETING Ahmedabad 1

INDONESIA B2B MEETING Pune 3

GLOBAL PANORAMA SHOWCASE (GPS) Kochi 3-5

AMAZING THAILAND ROADSHOW Kochi 7 AMAZING THAILAND ROADSHOW Bengaluru 8 Maya to enchant AMAZING THAILAND ROADSHOW Chandigarh 9

GLOBAL PANORAMA SHOWCASE (GPS) Pune 10-12 Dubai on July 4 AMAZING THAILAND ROADSHOW Lucknow 11 Arabian Travel Awards is set to ACTE CONFERENCE Tokyo 22-23 recognise industry players at CHINA CIBTM Beijing 23-24 JW Marriott Hotel Dubai ICPB CONVENTION Hyderabad 29-31 rabian Travel Awards is a platform for the LACITA USA Florida 29-31 Middle East market to appreciate the efforts Aof those travel specialists owing to whom the travel and hospitality industry is booming as ever. ese SEPTEMBER 2017 awards are supported by TravelTV.news, TravTalk Middle East and TravTalk India, who are premier IATO CONVENTION Bhubaneswar 7-10 media partners for extensive coverage. Convener of the Awards, Gunjan Sabikhi, shares, “Arabian OTOAI CONVENTION Ras Al Khaimah 12-15 Travel Awards will be instrumental in improving PATA TRAVEL MART Macao SAR 13-15 the relationship of the winners with the suppliers, FHRAI CONVENTION Bengaluru 14-16 help build credibility, and also guide them to break into new markets.”

MICEtalk July 2017 49 movements

Travelport Digital has announced Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has the appointment of Ailsa Brown announced the appointment of as Vice President, Asia Pacifi c. Oliver Bonke as President and Chief Having previously Operating Offi cer. Bonke will assume led Travelport’s sales and responsibilities from September this commercial strategy in the year and will be based at Shangri-La’s region for many years, Brown headquarters in Hong Kong. In the new will play a key role in maximising role, Bonke will oversee the group’s new opportunities and Executive Vice Presidents based in evangelizing Travelport Digital’s Asia, mainland China, and the Middle business-transforming mobile East, as well as the operational division engagement solutions for travel heads of F&B, sales, marketing, rooms, Ailsa Brown brands across Asia Pacifi c. Oliver Bonke engineering, security, and quality Vice President Travelport is a travel commerce President & COO improvement. Bonke has nearly 30 years Asia Pacifi c platform focused on providing Shangri-La Hotels of experience in the industry, most Travelport Digital solutions to global travel partners. and Resorts recently with Loews Hotels.

VFS Global has appointed Mukesh Vijay Jaiswal has been appointed Jain to a newly created role of Chief as Sr. Vice President – Sales & Technology Offi cer. In this role, Jain Marketing at Sarovar Hotels. will lead the company's strategic An industry adept professional, thrust towards introducing advanced Jaiswal brings with him over 29 technology-driven projects that involve years’ experience in the hospitality digital transformation, innovation, industry. At Sarovar Hotels, he analytics, and interoperability of will be responsible for overseeing systems. Jain joins VFS Global's senior the planning and implementation leadership team and reports directly of sales, marketing, and product to VFS Global Group CEO, Zubin development programmes for each Karkaria. He will be based out of the brand targeted towards existing and Mukesh Jain company's Mumbai offi ce. Prior to Vijay Jaiswal new markets. Prior to joining Sarovar Chief Technology Offi cer joining VFS Global, Jain worked for Sr. VP – Sales & Marketing Hotels, Jaiswal was associated VFS Global Microsoft Corporation and for Sarovar Hotels with ITC Hotels as Head of Sales & Reliance Jio, among other companies. Marketing for Fortune Hotels.

Deep Vahi joins Courtyard by Outbound Marketing has Marriott Mumbai International appointed Rakesh Bhandari as Airport as Director of Sales. With an Associate Director Sales, India, illustrious career in the hospitality for SunLux Collection by Sun industry, Vahi brings over 11 years International. Bhandari has of experience working with various been with Outbound Marketing international brands like The Oberoi handling AccorHotels’ sales Mumbai and Marriott International. distribution for four years. He started his career in 2006 and Bhandari is a dedicated sales joined the Marriott family in 2008 person with a track record as a Sales Executive at JW Marriott of achieving high sales Mumbai Juhu and slowly paved his targets. Outbound Marketing Deep Vahi way to being a Sales Centre Manager. Rakesh Bhandari is a one-stop outsourced Director of Sales In 2013, he decided to venture out Associate Director Sales solution company that Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai to start his own business with Mint India, SunLux Collection provides cost-eff ective International Airport Hospitality – Café Royale. by Sun International distribution solutions.

50 MICEtalk July 2017

Postal Reg. No. :DL(ND)-11/6150/2017-18-19 WPP No.:U(C)-305/2017-19, Posting on 29th-30th of Advance Month G.P.O. New Delhi-110001, Date of Publication:22/06/2017 RNI No.:DELENG/2010/34144