Newstrack

Coleman targets hospitality for outdoor equipment market

Looks for regional distributors

EH Staff - New Delhi

With the adventure tourism segment on the rise and hospitality and travel also targeting business developments for the same, US-based Coleman outdoor company has now forayed into India for the first time to promote outdoor equipment with a conscious focus on the hospitality segment. Accordingly, the company has entered into an agreement with the Delhi-based Eagle Group for distribution of the products. Michael Strophair, export manager for Coleman revealed, "We are strongly looking at the Indian market and therefore would like to penetrate all regions. The country offers a strong proposition for camping products as there is a growing demand for camping and outdoor products that are vital for holiday resorts, travel agents and even other hospitality sectors."

The company is also looking at establishing regional distributors to reach the interiors of the country, where outdoor leisure equipment has a great demand, especially in resort destinations for its camping and outdoor adventures. "We are expecting a gross business worth $4-5 million in the next three years.

This can be gauged from the fact that we have already started to receive trade enquiries," Ish Madan, country manager - India, Coleman said, adding that, "Earlier, products were available in India, but were not worth the price one paid. Now, besides being cheaper, products will be available under one umbrella brand - Coleman, and the hospitality segment will play a great initiator's role in promotion of such products." The company has an array of over 200 various products to choose from and also has plans to add more to its stock in the years to come.