Karnataka tourism gets gilt edge
Karnataka State Tourism looks at options of co-branding and profit-sharing with private coms.
Bangalore: Karnataka State Tourism is looking to capitalise on high-end international tourists and with that in mind it is looking at options of co-branding and profit-sharing with private companies.
As a first step in that direction, Karnataka State Tourism has signed three Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) with Jaipur based Jewellery Industries, Derewala to make their products available in the Golden Chariot and Jungle Lodges and Resorts.
The products will be co-branded at various hotel properties of the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation, Kabini River Lodge, Bandhipur Safari Lodge, aqnd on signage on state highways.
Derewala will contribute a portion of sales to KSTC as part of its corporate social responsibility to enhance tourist infrastructure in Karnataka.
Elaborating on the initiative, Arvind Jadhav, Additional Chief Secretary of Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation said, “The idea is to get more international tourists to Karnataka. It has been three years since we launched Golden Chariot on the lines of the Palace on Wheels in Rajasthan, which is 15 years old. More flow of international tourists will mean more employment, revenue generation and improved local economy.”
He said the Golden Chariot has to be promoted better.
“We have been trying to do promotions by participating in various roads shows and identifying organisations that have access to such high-end clients. Derewala have access to a good number of high-end clients in Japan, USA, Europe etc. They will divert their clients to us and we in return will make their products available at specified places,” he explained.
The products will carry the names of both KSTDC and Derewala and a percentage of profits will be shared with KSTDC. Currently, Golden Chariot charges $3000 per person.
Speaking at the event, Satyavathi, director of Karnataka Tourism, said, “This is the first of its kind initiative on trains. Just as passengers get to buy products on domestic and international flights, we will be providing certain products for customers to buy at our lodges and on board the Golden Chariot. We want to bring value to their experience.”