India 2009 Familiarisation Tour
Photograph: The Australian event organisers were presented with traditional Indian dress to wear at their farewell gala dinner. From left to right: Valerie Percival (IBM), Cheryle Riley (Ci Events), Sue McGinness (Incentive Action), David Addison (Avanti Events), Justine Jones (Erroll Jones Productions), Kim Waterhouse (Directions) and Donna Kessler (Tourism Portfolio/Distant Frontiers).
On a familiarisation visit arranged by destination management company Distant Frontiers – represented in Australia by Tourism Portfolio – the group witnessed the extraordinary sights of India’s Golden Triangle and had a taste of the elaborate experiences available to event organisers
Highlights included a visit to a local village, sunrise at the Taj Mahal in Agra, an elephant polo match in Jaipur and a stay at the Rambagh Palace - the former Maharaja’s residence named the “World’s Best Hotel” in the 2009 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards announced last month.
The group even had encounters with royalty, meeting the Rawal of Samode, Yaduvendra Singh, and Deepraj Singh of Bharatpur at private receptions.
Tourism Portfolio Managing Director Donna Kessler said the visit showcased the lavish and colourful experiences on offer in India.
“India is a truly remarkable destination and Australian organisations are showing an increasing interest in staging high-impact events there,” Ms Kessler said. “We wanted to show not only the sights and culture of India, but also the lengths to which Distant Frontiers will go to impress its guests – whether it’s a private fireworks display or a reception with royalty.”
Distant Frontiers is one of India’s leading specialists in incentive tours, events and bespoke travel. Backed by the international Kuoni group, it offers unforgettable experiences in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, from “snake boat” races on the waterways of Kerala to Bollywood celebrations at a Mumbai film studio.
For more information contact Tourism Portfolio on 02 9922 5520 or visit website www.tourismportfolio.com.au
Media information: Jon Murrie/Libby Moffet, MG Media Communications, 02 9904 0011
