Newstrack

Club Med to start India operations

To set up sales & marketing office in Mumbai by 2009

Neeti Mehra - Mumbai

Mumtaz Moiz Business development manager (India) and country manager (Singapore) for Club

Firming up its commitment to the Indian market, the French luxury resort chain Club Med is setting up a sales and marketing office in Mumbai next year. Speaking exclusively to Express Hospitality, Mumtaz Moiz, business development manager (India) and country manager (Singapore) for Club Med, said, "We are focusing our efforts on Delhi and Mumbai. By next year Club Med will establish an office in Mumbai, which is also where our key agents are located."

The chain has appointed eight PSAs in India. "We are not looking at big numbers but at quality numbers and building awareness. Club Med is a unique concept of a premium all-inclusive resort where we sell an experience," Moiz said. It is conducting FAMs and training to familiarise agents with the concept. "We feel our resorts in Bali, Bintan, Phuket, Mauritius and Chamonix will attract Indian travellers," says Moiz. Club Med is targeting honeymooners, families and special incentive groups. The chain made its presence felt last June when it had a quiet launch of its India-centric website and till October last year Club Med attracted 200 customers. However, it does not have any plans to set up a resort in India at the moment. Though the company does not have a Guest Loyalty Programme yet, it is rolling out a pilot programme for Singapore, which will eventually be introduced worldwide. Also on the anvil is a new brand campaign. To appeal to the Indian market, Club Med is introducing an Indian flavour not only in food but also entertainment. Says Moiz, "We already serve Indian food in our Asia Pacific properties. We are now looking at a regional Indian chef who will train our chefs across Asia." In the pipeline is a Bollywood night and an Indian fashion show with entertainers from India for its Singapore property during Diwali.