The number of Indian tourists coming to New Zealand is expected to reach 100K by 2023 and has increased by 68 % in the past 3 years. India is becoming one of the fastest growing outbound travel markets in the world and the trend is projected to continue for the next 20 years.
We were recently invited for an exclusive business trip to experience this amazing country in person. Since it’s one of our most important markets, the insights gained were priceless. We will be forever grateful for the hospitality we received from our local hosts and partners. Thanks for your invaluable input and for making sure that we had the time of our lives.
Join me as I share our insights from this amazing trip and tell you more about our promise to the premium segment of Indian travellers who would like to visit our beautiful New Zealand.
New Zealand, a hot destination for Indians
Strategic investments and attention from media have contributed to making New Zealand a hot destination for Indian travellers. At the Lonely Planet Magazine India Travel Awards 2016, New Zealand was named the Best International Destination for Adventure.
Several Bollywood movies have been shot here and our reputation for being a beautiful, safe and adventures destination is becoming more established through word-of-mouth and social media. The tourism from India is expected to increase further with at least the same speed for the next couple of years.
India – A first impression that lasts
The busy streets of Mumbai.
Photo: interbuild-india.com. Elegant architecture is the norm in many parts of India.
India has everything to offer; from the finest hotels and most extreme luxury, to the simplest way of living with individuals struggling to get through the day in occupations you didn’t know existed. The British influence is evident and can be seen through the royal architecture of the buildings and the uniforms of the staff at several of the premium hotels.
You’ll look forward to the next meal because of how good it is.
The food is delicious with an array of dishes you might not have seen before, even if you think you know Indian food. You will be eating a lot, and no matter if you’re too full, there is a high probability that you’ll look forward to the next meal because of how good it is. The culinary scene is of the highest quality and doesn’t just include local food. The European options are as good as any 5-star restaurant in the world, right down to the modern contemporary stylings of interiors.
Mumbai – Where fashion, Bollywood and finance meet
Photo: Videoblocks. Mumbai will keep you busy no matter what you’re looking for.
Our trip started in Mumbai, the home of India’s Bollywood and fashion industry. It’s a cosmopolitan city with a lively party scene. If you know where to go, you will be able to dance until the sunrise while sipping on whiskey sours, surrounded by a crowd in a setting that could have been directly taken from any fashion magazine. It’s the financial powerhouse of the country and full of dream chasers, gangsters, millionaires, street dogs, slum areas and the most exclusive residential areas.
Staying at Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai will make you feel like royalty.
We stayed at Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai. A stay here is an experience out of the ordinary. Be prepared for superior service since every single person working at the complex will do what they can to make you feel like royalty.
At arrival, you are greeted traditionally with a fragrant jasmine flower necklace placed over your head and your forehead is dotted at the spot between your eyebrows. When you leave, you are given an original gold coin made at the time the hotel was built on a striped ribbon. All these special meaningful touches enhance the experience from the moment you walk in the door which takes your breath away.
Morning yoga by the pool at Taj Mahal Hotel.
In between meetings with our partners, our hosts and private driver escorted us around the city. We passed local markets and beautiful temples, unique restaurants, and the most exclusive events for the rich and famous. One could go on for months and still have plenty left to see.
Me shopping for local souvenirs on the streets of Mumbai.
We were lucky to experience both the city of Mumbai, as well as to escape it to an exclusive holiday house a short boat trip away. Again, of the highest standard you can imagine with private chefs, the best wines and superior food. Like a perfect dream.
Delhi – The cultural heart that never sleeps
Photo: Around the World. Colorful Delhi is always happening.
After Mumbai, we got introduced to Delhi, the pulsating, historical capital that never sleeps. With a population of 17 million, which still is growing, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Old Delhi is a fantastic, crazy busy area. Most people would describe it as chaotic, which also gives it its charm. It used to be the most important part of the capital and it will make you feel like you’re going back in time to that exact same period.
Expect goats tied up on the streets, rickshaws everywhere, amazing sari shops, workers pushing their handcarts with the daily farming production and a lot of action, tempo and deal-closing happening on every corner.
Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Agra, a 3.5 hour drive away from Delhi is home to the Taj Mahal, India’s most recognized monument and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The visit was almost a spiritual experience. It gave me goose bumps and left me overwhelmed with emotions.
It has the most beautiful story about devoted love dating back to 1630 AD and words can’t give this incredible place justice. Every single detail has been taken into consideration with exact precision to create this spectacular building.
Amazed by Taj Mahal.
These days, New Delhi, which was built by the British, is the focal point of the city. If Mumbai has Bollywood, Delhi is the cultural heart of the country. Performing arts, book launches and tons of art galleries make the best of Delhi an Indian culture home base. New venues pop up daily and you’ll require connections to stay on top of it all.
The lifestyle of the premium segment in India
India’s premium segment know what they want and they want the best.
The lifestyle of the UHNWI segment in India is best described as a blend of luxury surroundings, strategic investments, superior service, endless food, and drinks of the absolute highest quality. They work hard, know what they want and they want the best.
The level of service is higher than what most people are used to in many other parts of the world. No matter what one desires, there is usually a staff member ready to make it happen immediately. Private chefs, drivers, luxury vehicles, butlers and numerous wait staff are the norm. These clients like efficiency and expect regular status updates.
They are open-minded, often well-travelled, and eager to explore more of the world. If an experience or place catch their attention, they are willing to spend, if they perceive the value as unique. New areas of potential spending include destination weddings, such as one on a luxury boat to New Zealand, or exclusive themes, such as diving wedding ceremonies.
Black Label’s offer to Indian travellers visiting New Zealand
Photo: Sidharth Malhotra, one of India’s most famous Bollywood actors.
No matter if you’re travelling to New Zealand for business, a family holiday, a solo adventure, a honeymoon, or something else, we understand that you want something different, often with a touch of adventure and adrenaline.
Travellers from India is one of our most important customer groups and we’re constantly investing time into keeping ourselves updated on preferences and trends within this segment, to be able to create the best possible experiences. If you tell us about your dream or ideas for your New Zealand trip, we’ll let you know how we can make it happen. We have the extensive network and the local knowledge to create custom experiences that only connections can deliver.
We’re used to customizing itineraries for groups and understand the importance of letting the family be involved in decision making. We value communication and will make sure that you have all the information you need, when you need it, seamlessly.
Get in touch to learn more about how we could create your dream trip. We would love to make it happen.
We look forward to welcoming you to New Zealand.