30 Minute Interview

'India can emerge as a major MICE destination'

Princess Padmaja Kumari Mewar, joint managing director, HRH Group of Hotels, Udaipur, speaks of the past and the future of the heritage segment. By Neeti Mehra

What according to you is the most momentous trend from last year?

India is finally getting its share of the MICE (Meetings Incentives Conferences Events) market. It is a small share of the global market today but it has enormous potential. This market is directly dependent on the availability of tourism infrastructure. Indian cities will have to develop capacities to host a conference of say 3,000 delegates. It would lead to a sea-change in tourist arrivals in India in the near future. We have a long way to go. In 2007, Incredible India took the first confident steps in marketing the country as a MICE destination and the results have been most encouraging.

How is the heritage segment transforming?

Heritage tourism poses its own challenges. It is more than just a holiday in a faraway destination. It is becoming a quest and an appreciation of the past through its art and architecture, festivals and culture, dress and cuisine. Guests today are looking for novel experiences. We are driven by the 'Eternal Mewar' vision which provides a seamless experience of heritage tourism, edutainment, adventure and spirituality to guests at the City Palace Complex in Udaipur.

The challenge for us is to keep alive this rich heritage and make it meaningful and relevant for 21st century global citizens: this is why we are encouraging cultural events and ancient festivals. We have organised the private sector's first show of its kind - the Mewar Sound & Light Show at the museum and have also inaugurated the Audio Guide Service at Crystal Gallery and The City Palace Museum. In the years ahead, Udaipur will continue to be known as a heritage city with sustainable developmental programmes such as the Mewar Solar Cell.

What will be on the plate this year?

I can definitely say that the accent in future will be on 'authenticity' of cuisines. Cuisines offered by hotels and restaurants anywhere in the world will have to be authentic and true to their heritage. It's not just the cuisine, but also the ambience and the entertainment that has to match the mood of the food being served. As the number of food lovers grow, there are specific 'cuisine tours' being organised for travellers. This is a growing trend and we will definitely witness more food lovers arriving on Indian shores. I think we are in for some exciting and 'delicious' times ahead!

Will the heritage segment be dominated by international guests this year?

There are as many domestic travellers as there are international ones. Throughout Rajasthan, we have witnessed this phenomenon. Earlier, there were more foreign guests at our palace hotels and sanctuary resorts. Now it is evenly distributed. I think this trend will continue through 2008-09. Our heritage venues are sought for weddings, events and theme-dinners for conference delegates by NRIs, foreigners and domestic guests equally.

What technological initiatives have you undertaken?

Our palace hotels now have Wi-Fi connectivity. The Audio Guide Service too is being highly appreciated by guests. It is yet another application of modern technology in a heritage city like Udaipur. The internet has transformed the tourism industry; marketing and sales, reservations and feedback on the net have changed the rules of the game. Needless to say, this trend will continue to grow over the years.