Thailand is hogging the spotlight for weddings and honeymoons – and increasingly birthday celebrations too. Shekhar Niyogi gets tips on how hotels and travel consultants can jump in on the action
Weddings
With a rapidly growing urban middle class, Indian couples yearn for “an exclusive wedding away from the crowds” that will be “talked about”, said Vijay Dadhich, managing director, Blue Moon Travels.
Based on interviews, at the top of the list are Hua Hin, Bali and Langkawi, although some are travelling farther afield. Sushil Wadhwa, chairman and managing director, Platinum World Group, said: “We are organising weddings in offbeat destinations like Napa Valley in California, Las Vegas, Monaco, Saint-Tropez, Istanbul, Ireland and Tuscany.
Anshuman Mitra, director of Starlite DMC, added: “The big, fat Indian wedding will continue to gain weight in a growing market. Many hotels are hooked on this business as it not only brings in a large volume of business and better returns on investments, but increases the number of FITs/family travellers and repeat guests.” Weddings are also recession-proof as parents would have saved up for these events over many years.
Indians look for a number of factors in a destination, said Mitra, such as competitive pricing for air and ground logistics, availability of authentic Indian food, branded and attractive stand-alone hotels or resorts, a feel-at-home factor and straightforward tax structures for easy payment, with seamless cash transactions preferred.
Hotels of choice must also be flexible in accommodating Indian wedding customs. These functions span three to five days and are generally large affairs.
Aruna Chakravarty, general manager, Blue Moon Travels, explained: “Open spaces for various religious rituals like the traditional fire, a stage setup for entertainment and Indian cuisine are a must.”
A large banquet hall, a room for a poolside party, a spa, kids’ activities and proximity to a shopping mall would give hotels an edge, Mitra remarked. Bands playing Indian music, dance parties and having the groom arrive on elephants or horses are also de rigueur.
#1 Hua Hin, Thailand
Numbers: The country hosted 175 Indian weddings in 2012, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Industry sources estimate 40-50 of them were held in Hua Hin.
Why it’s hot: Its proximity to India, beaches and shopping. The short travel time from Bangkok, where guests must transit, also allows holiday extensions and easy access to ancillary service providers for the wedding if required. Hotels such as Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa and InterContinental Hua Hin Resort have Indian wedding experts and chefs on board, or allow clients to bring their own.
If you want in: Runjuan Tongrut, director, TAT New Delhi, said hotels and resorts in Thailand interested in the wedding business can send their details to TAT via email, which will be released on TAT’s Facebook page and website. “TAT invites top wedding planners on fam trips to experience destinations they can suggest to their clients,” she said, adding that TAT also organises various roadshows that interested hotels can take part in to promote their offerings.
#2 Bali, Indonesia
Numbers: Some 20 Indian weddings were held in 2012, according to trade sources in Indonesia and the Visit Indonesia Tourism Officer in India. Most were held in Nusa Dua and the rest in Ubud.
Why it’s hot: Bali is a convenient destination for Indians due to one-stop easy connections, visa on arrival and cultural similarities. As most Balinese are Hindus, logistical requirements for a Hindu wedding ceremony are easily met, in terms of food, clothes, etc. Nusa Dua, Ubud and Jimbaran are far from the madding crowd and peppered with hotels and resorts popular for weddings, such as The Westin Resort Nusa Dua Bali, Maya Ubud Resort & Spa and InterContinental Bali Resort.
If you want in: Travel consultants should be familiar with the Indian wedding customs and work with ground agents to ensure all criteria are met. Working with the local NTO will also give one a leg-up, and Indonesian tourism authorities help wedding planners through its roadshows.
#3 Langkawi, Malaysia
Numbers: No available figures. But like Bali, Langkawi tends to draw smaller parties of 200-500 pax, while larger weddings remain in Thailand.
Why it’s hot: Secluded and blessed with beautiful beaches, Langkawi is gold for Indian couples looking for an escape or to celebrate their nuptials raucously without causing any disturbance. Although getting to Langkawi requires a transit in Kuala Lumpur, the increase in the number of flights to the Malaysian capital has made the island more accessible. Popular hotels include Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort and The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa.
If you want in: Travel consultants can work with the NTO or local ground agents. Tourism Malaysia also offers support services to connect the trade with clients through promotions and roadshows, and will also pitch in with a cultural programme for larger groups.
Honeymoons
Thailand’s Koh Samui and Krabi occupy two of the top three honeymoon hotspots for Indian newlyweds, with New Zealand rounding up.
“India is a very promising market for luxury weddings and honeymoons. Many clients seek our exclusive pool villas and spas (in Thailand),” said Manas Sinha, assistant director – key accounts, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts India.
In Asia, Bali, the Maldives and Sri Lanka are also popular, while Turkey, Switzerland, South America, Australia and Spain are favoured longhaul honeymoon destinations, report travel experts.
Italy is also a draw for those with bigger budgets and more time, who spend nine to 12 nights there. Alessandra Bolzagni, owner of inbound tour operator My Special Guest, said Indian honeymooners enjoyed busy cities like Rome and Milan, while also appreciating the solitude of Florence, Siena and Lake Garda. “Many like art and operas, culinary experiences, while shopping for designer wear is a favourite pastime,” she observed.
Meanwhile, the Maldives and Sri Lanka are up-and-coming spots for their good weather, unique combination of culture and beaches, hotels to fit all budgets and visas on arrival. Singapore, Mauritius, Malaysia and Hong Kong & Macau are emerging as well.
“The ideal Asian honeymoon package is between seven and 10 days, and includes good four- and five-star hotels. On a couple’s wishlist for a destination are beaches, sightseeing, Indian food and great shopping opportunities, with the exception of luxury and affluent travellers who look for secluded destinations, culinary experiences and spas,” said Anshuman Mitra, director of Starlite DMC.
To woo this growing segment, hotels and resorts must offer flexible check in and check out times, exclusive dinners and small mementoes to remember the occasion, among others. Indian wedding planners and niche tour operators are good partners to have. Social media can also be used to showcase one’s offerings.
#1 Koh Samui, Thailand
Why it’s hot: Secluded and picture-perfect, popular leisure destination Koh Samui boasts pool villas, spas for a wellness holiday, fresh seafood and water sports. Most honeymooners spend six to eight nights in Thailand, combining a stopover in Bangkok for shopping.
However, Koh Samui faces a severe flight capacity problem, so getting a seat on specific dates may be difficult.
#2 New Zealand
Why it’s hot: New Zealand is enticing for its great natural beauty. The sparse population and unhurried pace of life allows honeymooners to relax, and newlyweds may opt for self-drive honeymoon sojourns. Soft adventure options are popular as well.
#3 Krabi, Thailand
Why it’s hot: Like Koh Samui, Krabi’s pristine beaches and crystal clear waters are its main attractions. Even more secluded than Koh Samui – its beaches are less crowded – and with fewer nightlife options, it is also more easily accessed as travellers can choose to fly into Krabi or Phuket, from where Krabi is a mere two-hour drive.
Birthday blowouts
More Indians are taking their birthday parties out of the country, primarily those ushering in their 40th or 50th birthdays and are not afraid to splash out.
According to Ankur Khanna, director of Tristar Travel Services, 40-80 guests on average are flown in and hosted in five-star hotels. Celebrations can include mega parties on chartered yachts, entertainment by Indian stand-up comedians and entertainers, private dinners in Michelin-starred restaurants, top grade liquors and cigars.
Bangkok and Istanbul are preferred destinations for these three- to four- night jaunts. The Thai capital is nearby, has direct flights and is known for its selection of cuisine and hospitality, while the latter offers exotic hotels on the Bosphorus and easy availability of Indian food. Both destinations offer sand and surf, shopping options and child-friendly amenities, while also being value for money, endearing them to Indian travellers.
Tristar’s Khanna said: “We have been doing these birthday celebrations for the last four to five years, and I believe the hotels need to be more receptive towards these small groups who splurge not only on accommodation but also F&B.
“Having an Indian in-house chef or allowing external catering are a few things anyone aspiring to tap this segment must ensure.”
