Categories: Travel

Bintan Resorts partners with VFS Global to attract Indian tourists, unveils dual-destination strategy with Singapore, ET TravelWorld

Destination Marketing Partnership Agreement between PT Bintan Resorts Cakrawala & VFS Global.

In a strategic move to boost its appeal to the Indian market, Bintan Resorts in Indonesia has joined forces with VFS Global, the world’s leading outsourcing and technology services specialist, to promote Bintan Island as a premier travel destination. The partnership, formalized on August 29 at the Grand Lagoi Hotel in Bintan Resorts, aims to position the island as a must-visit location for Indian tourists by leveraging VFS Global’s extensive network across India.

The collaboration will focus on enhancing the visibility of Bintan Island by highlighting its diverse offerings, from culinary delights to high-quality services and hospitality, making it an enticing destination for Indian travellers. Abdul Wahab, Chief Operating Officer of Bintan Resorts, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are excited to partner with VFS Global to introduce the beauty and charm of Bintan Island to the Indian market. This collaboration will elevate Bintan’s status as a must-visit destination for Indian tourists.”

The marketing campaign will target major Indian cities and emphasize Bintan’s complementary position to Singapore as part of a dual-destination strategy. Indian tourists will be encouraged to experience both destinations, with Bintan Island easily accessible via a convenient 60-minute ferry ride from Singapore. The campaign will focus on digital and social media platforms, collaborating with influencers and content creators to showcase Bintan’s family-friendly vacations, adventurous activities, culinary experiences, and potential for hosting special events such as weddings and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).GB Srithar, Head of Tourism Services, VFS Global, highlighted the significance of the Indian market, noting, “India was Singapore’s third-largest source of visitors in 2019, with approximately 1.4 million travelers. By positioning Bintan Resorts as a complementary destination to Singapore, we aim to attract a double-digit share of these Indian visitors.”

From an Asia-wide perspective, the Agoda survey highlights Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam as the top destinations that travellers across the continent can’t get enough of. ‘Ease of Travel’ emerged as the leading motivator for these repeat visits, with 44 per cent of Asian travellers listing it as their primary reason for returning to their favorite spots.

The partnership also includes organising workshops and familiarisation trips for travel trade partners, influencers, and media to promote the island’s offerings. The initiative aims to reintroduce Bintan Island to Indian audiences, emphasizing the convenience and allure of combining a visit to Singapore with a stay in Bintan.The agreement signing event was attended by key figures, including Ni Made Ayu Marthini, Deputy Minister for Marketing at the Ministry of Tourism & Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia; Guntur Sakti, Head of Tourism Office of the Riau Islands Province; Robby Kurniawan, Head of Bintan Regency; and Arief Sumarsono, Head of Tourism Office Bintan Regency, along with other stakeholders from the travel and tourism industries and the media.

This partnership between Bintan Resorts and VFS Global marks a significant step in attracting Indian tourists to Bintan Island and enhancing their overall travel experience, promising a blend of leisure, adventure, and cultural immersion that is sure to captivate the Indian market.