The appointment of Sunrise Representations as India representative for Neelamani Hotels has contributed a remarkable increase in the numbers (Tanjung Benoa Beach Resort 58% and The Sakala Resort Bali 63%) from this part of the world. In an attempt to add further growth, apart from the FIT leisure and GIT, the hotel company is eyeing to attract a hefty share of weddings and MICE segments from India. The company is strengthening its relationship with business partners as well. Find out more from Javier Salgado, Executive Vice President, Nilamani Hotels in an exclusive Q&A with Whereabouts.
Q. To start with, kindly throw some lights on the features and offerings of Nilamani
Hotels Bali?
A. Nilamani – the word comes from Sanskrit which means a gemstone. Nilamani Hotels introduced a collection of its gems; The Sakala Resort Bali, Sakala Villa and Tanjung Benoa Beach Resort to the Indian market.
Each property has different characteristic .The Sakala Villa – a luxury two bedrooms pool villa, The Sakala Resort Bali – all suite contemporary design for family comfort facility and Balinese hospitality, Tanjung Benoa Beach Resort – a charm of Balinese characteristic with greenery, garden and architecture.
We are focusing on FIT leisure and GIT market such as honeymooners via honeymoon package and romantic dinner with authentic Indian set menu by native Indian Chef Anil Chandra. By establishing the wedding business Benoa has become the Indian wedding destination.
Bali as a destination offers best comprehensive facilities, water sport activities and local attractions for MICE venue option in Bali. Especially the Meetings & Incentive travel from India has registered a significant growth in the recent past.
Q. Who are your target clients?
A. FIT travellers both honeymooners and families are our target clients. Our hotels are located very strategically in Benoa area which offers tremendous leisure activities such as water sport activities, siteseeing tourist attractions, local culture and lifestyle, fisherman village and signature culinary to dine for such as Roti Chai Bali at Tanjung Banoa Beach Resort.
Q. How has been the response? What kind of growth have you achieved from here? Could you provide the figures?
A. As compare to the year 2017, we have registered 58% and 63% growth at Tanjung Benoa Beach Resort and The Sakala Resort Bali respectively from Indian market in the year 2018.The growth will continue in 2019 as India is Indonesia’s third largest visitor arrivals source market with the growth of 23% year on year.
Q. How do you look at the awareness of Nilamani Hotels in India? do you have any plan in this area?
A. The exposure is not strong enough as expected, but we are working on process to be featured more both online and offline platforms. Also, we are engaging by attending travel trade events under Ministry of Tourism Indonesia and Bali Tourism Board to host Familiarization Trips.
Q. Do you have any strategy in place for 2019 to get more growth from India? what are your plans/initiatives for this market?
A. Yes, plans and actions are in place. Apart from FIT leisure we are also focusing on MICE and Indian Wedding, by creating new guest experiences which meet the needs of the evolving traveller. Upkeep of properties, the authentic Indian cuisine, brand awareness and creating a reputation by delivering the Balinese charm and hospitality to meet the Indian guests needs. Both the properties are well-positioned to cater to the demands of the new age traveller and millennials.
Q. How has been your relationship with Indian travel trade? How much of your business is coming from travel agents/tour operators?
A. We appointed Sunrise Representations as our representatives in India last year and this has contributed to the increase in numbers. We are engaging more and more with our business partners not only on a business perspective but also by participating in marketing activities. Where by 85% of our Indian clientele bookings come through travel agents/ tour operators.
ABOUT NILAMANI HOTELS
Nilamani Hotels comprises one five-star property and one four-star property situated in the legendary and mysterious island of Bali. The Tanjung Benoa Beach Resort (www.benoaresort.com), situated at the tip of Tanjung Benoa Peninsula along Bali’s southernmost Nusa Dua region, is also a very strategically located hotel housed on the naturally lush landscape. The Sakala Resort Bali (www.sakalaresortbali.com) is located by the water-sport paradise of Tanjung Benoa Beach on the Nusa Dua peninsula that is sure to transport you into a realm of contemporary Balinese comfort like no other.
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