CIM: Which effect does your country have on incentive travelers of the western hemnisphere?
Samir Uberoi: I do believe that the greatest effect that India has on incentive travellers is the warmth and open hearted friendliness exuded by its people and the genuine hospitality that guests experience!
Can people actually prepare of what they are going to experience in India?
Nothing can prepare one for the India experience which is truly an “assault on ones senses” but in a very good way! It is a country, which more than most others, one needs to personally experience with all ones senses including touch, smell, sight, hearing and taste! This is therefore, impossible to prepare before actually experiencing it in India!
I think the cycle rickshaw ride in Old Delhi would be a perfect example – no matter how much you would have prepared yourself for it, I do not think that you could have imagined it to be what it was!
How long are you planning incentives already?
Since 1995, therefore almost 15 years.
How do you know, which incentive agenda fits which customer?
We are in very close contact with our principals and our representatives (Eberhard) during the entire planning and presentation process and discuss in detail, the client profile, past programmes that the company may have done to determine the likes and dislikes and any other information that may help us determine the exact requirements of the guests.
What can corporations do in terms of „giving back to the communities“?
First and foremost, they can come to India as this would be the best thing that they can do to “give back to communities” as this will automatically generate employment and earnings. In addition, we now make it a point to incorporate at least one “Corporate Social Responsibility” activity in our itineraries depending on the clients interest and industry and these projects can be long term as well as ongoing projects. For example, we have had phamaceutical companies which have been sending medicines to the local village hospital, construction companies which have donated materials for the building of a local school or hospital. The idea is to have the corporations involvement in the actual process rather than just giving cash or money.
What are the main three attributes that differentiates India from other Asian countries?
(1) Size Does Matter!!!! We are a sub-continent and this therefore allows us to offer a varietry of experiences be it culture, adventure, mountains, deserts, beaches, wildlife etc. We can cater to most client requirements and demands!
(2) It is a land of tremendous contrast yet there is a very peaceful coexistence between the people – we truly are a land of a Billion Smiles!
(3) Indians are brought up with the basic philosphy of “Athithi Devo Bhava” which means that “Our Guest is God and should be treated like a deity! This is our sole objective and endeavour!
A brief glimpse into the future: Will incoming as well as outgoing increase?
We are very hopeful and confident that in the near future, both incoming as well as outgoing incentives will increase.
Anything else you would like to add?
We look forward to welcoming guests from Germany so as to be able to showcase this magnificent country to them!
Hotels:
The Oberoi, New Delhi
The Imperial, New Delhi
Leela Kempinski, New Delhi
Jaypee Palace, Agra
The ITC Mughal, Agra
The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur
Taj Jaimahal Palace, Jaipur
Taj Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
In addition, we also visited and participated in the following:
Delhi – Tuk Tuk ride, metro ride and cycle rickshaw ride in the Old Delhi Market called “Chandni Chowk”
Agra – visited the Bhartiya Vidyapeeth Senior Secondary School, Agra Fort, Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri en route to Jaipur
Jaipur – Amber Fort in Jeeps, Market visit, Dinner at City Palace in Private Residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, Elephant Safari and Elephant Polo at Dera Amber
Neemrana – Lunch and Zipping (Flying Fox) at Neemrana Fort Palace
Jet Airways – Business Class flights from and to Brussels
(Note by the editor: plus LOADS of great food, spiced to the point.)
