Kalpana Uberoi
Deputy General Manager, responsible for overseeing operations of all events, new business and managing the team.
WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE A TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL WHO IS PLANNING A MEETING IN YOUR DESTINATION?
Do research on the short listed destination compared to international connectivity that affects foreign participation. You will need to do an advance trip to understand the venue. Also check the proximity to key tourist locations in the country. Most foreign delegates also see the meeting as an opportunity to explore this intriguing country.
WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR DESTINATIONS IN YOUR COUNTRY?
Goa for its pristine beaches and happening nightlife. Kerala for its amazing greens and laidback backwaters & water systems. Rajasthan for its living history in the shape of palaces, forts & colours. Delhi for being an eclectic mix of cultures and where history and the future cohabit so effortlessly! And of course Agra, for the Taj Mahal!
WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND YOUR DESTINATION FOR MEETINGS & INCENTIVES?
India continues to fascinate the world. Many of its mysteries make it a unique destination for the meetings & incentives segment. Its unique character of strong traditional and cultural base, mixed with the modern make it a one-of-a-kind destination. India is a key player market in today’s world economy, making it a destination meeting planners simply cannot ignore. It has a strong and successful political system; it is the world’s largest democracy. And finally, it offers world-class convention venues and is continuously enhancing its infrastructure – airports, convention centres, hotels and roads.
WHAT IS YOUR DESTINATION FAMOUS FOR?
Well, this is going to be a long list: religion, philosophy, history, culture, food, tradition, its workforce, IT and many world wonders - natural and man-made – like the loftiest peaks, longest shoreline, tropical jungles, rare wildlife, magnificent buildings. And don’t forget the organised chaos, making most foreigners wonder in awe… How does it all work?
WHAT IS STILL MISSING IN YOUR DESTINATION?
Lack of sustainable and continued government focus and long-term strategy in marketing India as the international meetings & incentives destination now and in the future. We also require more city convention bureaus and a pan-Indian infrastructure to host 6,000+ events.
CAN YOU GIVE AN EXAMPLE OF A SUCCESS STORY WHICH YOU HANDLED IN THE PAST?
We handled the logistics of the Indian leg of the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay in April 2008. We always knew that it was not going to be an easy task. However, despite the level of complexity and importance the event finally rose to in terms of security arrangements, ensuring its smooth passage through Delhi, the event was unprecedented. The outcome of the torch relay was directly linked to the fulfilment of the Indian Union Government's assurances to its Chinese counterpart. The entire world was watching…