that the cheapest airfares or hotel rates
aren’t always the most appropriate,
and don’t always equate to the best
value in the long run. For instance, a
bargain restricted airline ticket isn’t
appropriate if there’s a chance the
flight may need to be changed so
it’s always best to focus on smarter
spending and spend appropriately to
meet your travel needs as well as
your budget.
What opportunities are you
watching out for this year?
In 2018 we’re continuing our quest
for client referrals (in both the leisure
and corporate space). There is
simply no better source of business.
It is imperative to add value to all
client bookings. We measure this
added value as a tangible, say, a
complimentary hotel breakfast, or
an intangible, for instance, insider
Rajan Tiwari
Director
Duurbeen Bespoke
India
In one paragraph, what’s unique
about Duurbeen Bespoke?
Get out of bounds! Take a trip that leaves
its footprints on your heart. Duurbeen
is your eyes to the world. Duurbeen is a
word of mouth company and has grown
by this publicity since its inception six
years ago.
What’s making you smile about
the business this year?
India is an emerging market that has
seen a significant growth over the last
five years in the luxury segment. As
...no better source of business
(than client referrals).
knowledge of a particular destination.
What is the hottest restaurant in
town? How can I get tickets to that
incredible sold out show? We have
the contacts and relationships to make
the impossible possible. Overall, the
opportunity to keep doing what we are
doing as a collective and doing it better
year on year. 2018 marks 35 years of
The Goldman Group and the next 35
years and beyond look as exciting
as ever.
What are you looking for at ILTM
Asia-Pacific specifically?
Unique properties and experiences.
per the latest forecast by IMF, India’s
economic growth rate is 7.5 per cent,
higher than any other economy. That
means more spending on luxury hotels
and brands. Previously, most of the
luxury consumers were from Tier I cities
(Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore) but now
there is more demand for luxury travel
from Tier II cities.
What’s making you frown?
As it’s an emerging market, the travellers
are young and at times they like to
follow the trips or experiences that have
been done by their friends or family
members. I wish sometimes the clients
are more open to new destinations and
experiences which we would like create
for them.
What opportunities are you
watching out for this year?
The Indian market started on a high
this year and I hope it remains stable,
which would be good for the industry,
and luxury hotels and travel partners
worldwide.
In terms of products/sellers,
what’s in and who’s out?
Clients are looking at more unusual
destinations such as Iceland,
Greenland or Russia/Far East. This
makes our days more exciting –
researching cities and experiences that
aren’t traditionally popular.
What’s your luxury motto this year?
Go off the beaten track, explore and
experience things that take you out of
the daily grind. We are as much a part
of the client experience as the clients
themselves. We put ourselves in
their shoes.
What are you looking for at ILTM
Asia-Pacific specifically?
ILTM has always been an inspirational
event for the company; it gives us the
opportunity to learn, get inspired and
understand the collective mind of
travel professionals gathered through
the meetings and networkings.
In terms of products/sellers,
what’s in and who’s out?
I would say it is subjective. Every
traveller has a different holiday
preference. The answer is how can we
evolve ourselves to create something
experiential that they will remember
forever.
There is more demand in the Indian
market today for travel designers who
can cater to this on a professional level
not seen before.
What’s your luxury motto this year?
Luxury is the most overrated word. I
would say I like to get inspired every
day to create a magical experience for
my clients.
TTG Asia luxury | May 2018 43