Accor is planning to welcome more Indian guests to its hotels in Australia, following the launch of direct flights between the two countries.
Air India will launch services connecting Delhi with both Sydney and Mebourne this week, and Accor is preparing for this with the roll-out of its ‘Optimum Service Standards’ for Indian inbound travellers.
Twelve of Accor’s Australian hotels have been accredited for Indian Optimum Service Standards, covering Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Brisbane and Cairns. The first accredited hotel, Mercure Sydney Central, is anticipating a significant rise in Indian business over the next year, with 5,000 room nights predicted for 2014, along with the start of incentive business.
“Australian operators have in the past found dealing with the Indian market quite a challenge and that’s why so few hotels have embraced the market,” said Greg Brady, GM of the Mercure Sydney Central.
“The key is building relationships with Indian tour operators and then ensuring the hotel suits the needs of Indian travellers. That means getting the food right, understanding the Indian culture and appreciating the specific needs of Indian travellers.
“We’ve invested considerably in developing the market… [and] the start of direct air services has really helped us grow our Indian inbound business. We have a number of tour series confirmed for next year, and we have a 300 delegate incentive group coming in this October, and we hope that is the first of many.
“The Indian market wants quality product and service. Translating materials into their local language isn’t as imperative as it is for the China market, but getting the food and culture side of hospitality correct is really important,” he added.
Facilities offered under the Indian Optimum Service Standards programme include Indian dishes on the breakfast, restaurant and room service menus, hotel welcome kits in Hindi, Indian adaptor plugs, Indian television channels and newspapers, and Indian snacks and drinks available in the minibar.
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