Tarun's Summer Internship Project 115d4w

INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TOURISM AND TRAVEL MANAGEMENT

Summer Internship Project Report On

“OUTBOUND TOUR OPERATIONS”

By- Tarunpreet Singh Pahwa International Business (iii-b)-37

[1]

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that Mr.TARUNPREET SINGH PAHWA, Roll no. 37 was assigned

the

Summer

internship

Project

titled

“OUTBOUND

TOUR

OPERATIONS” by COX AND KINGS, AGRA. He has submitted the project report on partial fulfillment of PGDM in (International Business & Tourism) during the academic year 2010-11.

To the best of my knowledge this report is the genuine work done by him and has neither been copied from anywhere nor submitted for the award of any Degree or Diploma in any of the institution.

Prof Nimit Chowdhary

Mr Manoj Yadav

(Chairperson)

(Mentor)

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I am grateful to COX AND KINGS, Agra for facilitating this project to execute an

integrated sales and marketing campaign to raise awareness of Cox and Kings and its offerings in the market place and generate demand. The project has given me the opportunity to understand the practical nuances of sales & marketing, explore ways to effectively craft and communicate a message. I am grateful to my project mentor Mr. Mukesh Rawat for explaining me about the areas where the company operates & the technicalities involved in the operations . I acknowledge the relentless and generous of all the employees who provided me a great opportunity to interact with them and understand the system in a short time. Without their cooperation this project would not have been a success. I express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Manoj Yadav & Mr Sanjeev Reddy, faculty IITTM for giving their good advice through out the training duration.

Tarunpreet Singh Pahwa

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CONTENTS Serial no. 1.

2.

Topics INTRODUCTION 1.1)

Definition of tourism

1.2)

Tourism as a Service Industry

COMPANY PROFILE 2.1)

Product/Services 2.1.1) Destination Management 2.1.2)Leisure Tourism(Outbound, Inbound & Domestic Tourism) 2.1.3) Business Travel 2.1.4) Incentive & Conference Solution 2.1.5) Foreign Exchange 2.1.6) Travel Insurance 2.1.7) Trade Fairs

2.2)

Cox & Kings Advantage

3. STRATEGIES TO REACH CUSTOMER 4. MARKET PRESENCE OF COX AND KINGS 5. FUTURE PLANS OF COX AND KINGS 6. ROLE ASSIGNED TO ME IN THE ORGANIZATION 7. LEARNINGS 8. BIBLIOGRAPHY

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INTRODUCTION

Tourism Tourism is travel for recreational, leisure or business purposes. The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people who "travel to and stay in places outside their usual environment for more than twenty-four (24) hours and not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes not related to the exercise of an activity remunerated from within the place visited". Tourism has become a popular global leisure activity. In 2008, there were over 922 million international tourist arrivals, with a growth of 1.9% as compared to 2007. International tourism receipts grew to US$944 billion (euro 642 billion) in 2008, corresponding to an increase in real of 1.8%. As a result of the Late-2000s recession, international travel demand suffered a strong slowdown beginning in June 2008, with growth in international tourism arrivals worldwide falling to 2% during the boreal summer months, and this negative trend intensified as international tourist arrivals fell by 8% during the first four months of 2009. Tourism is vital for many countries, such as the U.A.E, Egypt, Greece and Thailand, and many island nations, such as The Bahamas, Fiji, Maldives and the Seychelles, due to the large intake of money for businesses with their goods and services and the opportunity for employment in the service industries associated with tourism. These service industries include transportation services, such as airlines, cruise ships and taxis, hospitality services, such as accommodations, including hotels and resorts, and entertainment venues, such as amusement parks, casinos, shopping malls, various music venues and the theatre.

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The United Nations classified three forms of tourism in 1994, in its "Recommendations on Tourism Statistics: Domestic tourism", which involves residents of the given country traveling only within this country; Inbound tourism, involving non-residents traveling in the given country; and Outbound tourism, involving residents traveling in another country.

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Tourism as a Service industry The tourism industry, and the products and services that fall under its wide umbrella, are complex indeed. There are a number of features that make it unique. Tourism is a subjective experience and an amalgam of products and services - not a single product * Tourism products, like all services, are intangible. A Harbour cruise, a stroll through a rainforest or a dinner at sunset are intangibles. They cannot be seen, touched, felt or sampled before purchase. The selling of tourism is the selling of images. The Indian Tourist Commission in other countries does not sell tourism products, it sells what we may call a shifting generic image of India.

* The tourism product is not a homogeneous product. We cannot standardize a service. Hotels attempt to standardize their room and service delivery as efficiently as possible through staff training and quality control procedures, but the human ingredient complicates the equation. As most services require interaction between the producer and consumer, each with their own set of expectations, it is highly unlikely that any product can ever be perceived equally by all customers. External factors can also affect the tourist experience. A bumpy flight can spoil an overseas trip and rain can ruin a Coast stay.

* Tourism products are perishable. An unsold Park Grand hotel room, an unused aircraft seat and a vacant concert seat is revenue lost. They cannot be stored for later use, as can tangible products. Hence the prevalence of discounting in services exist.

* This leads to the major problem confronting the tourism operator: namely, demand

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fluctuation. Tourism is perhaps more vulnerable than any other industry to seasonal fluctuations in demand. Demand fluctuation can be unseen, sometimes due to natural causes, others man-made. Acts of God include climate and natural disasters . Acts of Man include strikes (domestic pilots' strike) and international events (War) and murders (tourist murders).

COMPANY PROFILE

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Cox & Kings is the longest established travel company in the world. Its distinguished history began in 1758 when it was appointed as general agents to the regiment of Foot Guards in India under the command of Lord Ligonier. By 1878, C&K were agents for most British regiments posted overseas, including the Royal Cavalry, Artillery and Infantry, as well as the Royal Wagon Train and the Household Brigade. The Royal Navy was next and in 1912, The Royal Air Force came under its wings. Between 1750's and 1950's, Cox & Kings was witness to an exciting era in Indian history, and, in its own way, helped to shape it. In 1947, the British istration departed, but bound by strong ties to India, Cox & Kings stayed on and flourished. Today, Cox & Kings is a brand in all travel related services in the Indian subcontinent, employing over 800 trained professionals. Its India operations are headquartered in Mumbai and have the status of a limited company. It has over 12 fully owned offices in India across key cities such as New Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Hyderabad, Pune, Goa, Nagpur and Jaipur. The worldwide offices are located in UK, USA, Japan, Russia, Singapore and Dubai. It has associate offices in , Italy, Spain, South Africa, Sweden and Australia.

Services

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The principal services offered by the company are: •

Destination Management

•

Leisure Tourism – Outbound, Inbound & Domestic Tourism

•

Business Travel

•

Incentive & Conference Solutions

•

Domestic Holidays

•

NRI

•

Trade Fairs

•

Foreign Exchange

•

Insurance

•

Visa

Destination Management

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COX & KINGS is India's market leader in destination management, with substantial competitive advantage in this business segment. Cox & Kings operates a range of group and individual tours to destinations throughout the Indian subcontinent for clients from all over the world. Cox & Kings overseas is a renowned travel brand and an Indian subcontinent tour specialist and been quoted as one of the top 5 tour operators by 'Conde' Nast Traveller'. This division also provides specialist services to foreign participants visiting India for international meetings, conferences, ad hoc incentives and exhibitions and also caters for domestic conferences and corporate incentives. Ground related services to international cruise companies touching Indian shore with a provision of shore excursions are other leading activities of this division. A destination management provides a ground service based on local knowledge of their given destinations. These services can be transportation, hotel accommodation, restaurants, activities, excursions, conference venues, themed events, gala dinners and logistics, as well as helping with overcoming language barriers. Destination management company (DMC) are able to provide preferential rates based on the buying power they have with their preferred suppliers. A DMC is an incoming tour operator catering for both corporate and leisure clients. DMCs differ from tour operators in that DMCs do usually not deal directly with end-clients, but trade through agents, which may be tour operators.

LEISURE TOURISM

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Outbound Tourism Cox & Kings began a full-fledged in house tour operating activity by deg its own brochure product under exclusive arrangements with direct suppliers and local agents across the globe. Cox & Kings has been undertaking path-breaking initiatives to reach out to the travelers through innovative products. These include: 'Duniya Dekho' Holidays to Europe, USA, Far East, South Africa, Mauritius, Australia and New Zealand. For the "value for money" traveller. Charges Under the Duniya Dekho Scheme-: Name of Tour

Duration

Charges

Discount

19 D / 18 N

INR 181,713

INR 54,514

07 D / 06 N

INR 112,811

INR 56,406

20 D / 19 N

INR 247,450

-------

13 D / 12 N

INR 244,954

-------

08 D / 07 N

INR 107,950

INR 53,975

13 D / 12 N

INR 135,550

INR 67,775

13 D / 12 N

INR 264,156

INR 132,078

09 D / 08 N

INR 139,214

-------

European Splendours Summer Glimpse of Europe - Winter American Splendours Summer Canadian Explorer Summer Malaysia & Singapore Summer Orient & Magical Far East Summer Amazing Australia Summer Kiwi Surprise Summer

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Magical China Summer

11 D / 10 N

INR 100,650

-------

04 D / 03 N

INR 17,750

-------

09 D / 08 N

INR 105,000

-------

Dubai Delight Summer South African Adventure Summer

FASCINATING FAR EAST WINTER SERIES

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10 Days / 09 Nights

Price INR 65,500

Thailand | Malaysia | Singapore A great way to travel at a value Price! Enjoy happy holidays and happier memories with the best travel company in the world!

Hotels offering First : Class services 3-star hotels  Free time for shopping  A Friend In Need - Our Tour Manager Indeed DAY 01:Begin your tour | Arrive in Bangkok | Onto Pattaya | Alcazar Show Welcome to your Cox and Kings 'Fascinating Far East' tour. On arrival in Bangkok, you will be met by a local Cox and Kings representative and driven on a two and half hour drive to your hotel in Pattaya (check in after 1400 hrs). Tonight, visit the popular cabaret - the Alcazar Show and watch the dazzling performances. (D) DAY 02 :In Pattaya | Coral Island by Speedboat | Visit Nong Nooch Village Skip along the aqua blue ocean to Coral Island in a speedboat, where you will be amazed at the view of the beautiful marine life and coral formations from a glass bottomed boat, the perfect way to ire the stunning underwater beauty. Later, visit Nong Nooch Village, where spectacular tropical gardens flourish in a distinct Thai setting. Enjoy the traditional dance performances and the unique elephant show. Sample the distinct nature, adventure and culture of Thailand, all in the space of a

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single day! (B, L, D) DAY 03:Onto Bangkok | Visit the Gems Gallery

|

Guided

City

and

Temples Tour | Siam Niramit Show This morning, enroute to Bangkok, stop at the Gems Gallery - the largest jewellery store in the world. On arrival in Bangkok, proceed on a guided city tour and visit the magnificent Golden Buddha Temple and Reclining Buddha Temple. Later, check into your hotel (check in after 1400 hours). In the evening transverse back in the time at the Siam Niramit Show (B, L, D) DAY 04:-

In Bangkok | Visit Safari World and Marine Park

Today, after a sumptuous breakfast, visit Safari World and Marine Park, the abode of thousands of rare species, which form the highlight of the day. Hold your breath as you drive through the splendid African designed landscapes of the Animal Kingdom to see hundreds of animals from all over the world. At the Marine Park you see the white tiger exhibit, visit adventure island or catch one of the many exciting shows. Applaud your way through the Dolphin Show and Sea Lion Show or the water skiing show. It's a fun-day outing. (B, L, D)

DAY 05:-

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Fly to Kuala Lumpur | City tour The next part of your fascinating experience unfolds as you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Kuala Lumpur, the bustling capital of Malaysia. On arrival proceed for the guided panoramic city tour of Kuala Lumpur to get a closer look at Kuala Lumpur's most famous landmarks, like the King's Palace, National Monument, National Mosque, Jamed Mosque, Merdeka Square and National Museum. ire Malaysia's most renowned structure, the world famous Petronas Twin Towers and enjoy a photo stop. Evening is free to shop or relax. Dinner and overnight in Kuala Lumpur (B, D)

DAY 06:-

Excursion to Genting Highlands | Genting Outdoor & Indoor Theme Park Today we have planned an excursion for you to Genting Highlands. This day is a day of fun and adventure for the entire family at the ever-popular Genting Outdoor & Indoor Theme Park. The heart-stopping roller coaster and spectacular rides make both young and old screech with delight. In the evening you will be transferred back to Kuala Lumpur. Overnight in Kuala Lumpur. (B, L, D)

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DAY 07:-

Enroute Malacca | onto Singapore Today, we proceed to Singapore by road, Enroute We do panoramic city tour of Malacca. We will stop at Hindu temple for worship. A little shopping time. Later proceed to Singapore, the land of diversity. On arrival in Singapore, our local representative will meet you to your hotel (check in after 1400 hours).The evening is free for leisure. (B, L, D) DAY 08:-

In Singapore | Universal Studios Here comes your way the highlight of our tour, the Universal Studios - the region's first and only Hollywood movie theme park. With 24 rides and attractions based on Hollywood blockbusters, the theme park has something for all age groups and all kinds of visitors. Let your adrenalin rush at the world's tallest pair of dueling roller coasters called the Battlestar Galactica. Enter the first castle from the world of Shrek at Far Away Castle, one of the largest theme park castles in Asia. Experience the world's first ride based on the blockbuster film - Madagascar. Next, action comes surging to life in a tidal-wave of death defying stunts, awesome explosions and an ocean of thrills at the Water world. Escape from the terrifying jaws of a hungry T-Rex at the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure. Experience Hollywood Boulevard, the centre of the entertainment universe, and stroll down the famous walk of Fame or enjoy classic American favorites at Mel's Drive-In. Get mesmerized at the collections of dining and shopping outlets framed by dynamic architecture. The day is to ride the movies in a Hollywood movie theme park like no other. (B, D)

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DAY 09:-

Singapore | Guided Panoramic City tour of Singapore | Sentosa Island with Underwater World, Dolphin Lagoon, Merlion Walk and the Sensational 'Songs of the Sea' Show Today, proceed on a guided panoramic city tour driving past the City Hall, Parliament House, the Tower-like Westin Stamford Hotel and Mount Faber. Later this afternoon we take you to Sentosa Island. Visit the Underwater World, Asia's most popular oceanarium and home to more than 2,500 marine animals. Delight yourself at the Dolphin Lagoon and get a rare opportunity to interact with the charming pink dolphins. We wrap up the evening with the 'Songs of the Sea' Show, which is a spectacular display of light and sound show. (B, L, D)

DAY 10:-

Homeward Bound Good times need never end! As you get ready for the airport and your flight back home, relive the high points of your Cox and Kings 'Fascinating Far East' tour. We are confident you will us again, sometime soon.... (B either in the hotel or on board the flight)

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'FlexiHols' is a concept in holidaying where the traveller enjoys all the comforts and convenience of a planned holiday but at a pace & price that is set by him. This is targeted at the more discerning Free Individual Traveller.

Luxury Escapades - It takes a travel company that has been round for two hundred years, to know everything about royal treatment. Cox & Kings rolls out a whole new concept in Holidays - Luxury Escapades. Spoil yourself. Get pampered rotten. Holiday like a king. us as we unveil country after country laced with sinful indulgence and fine living. The finest luxury hotels in the world to the most exclusive entertainment experiences await you.

Cox & Kings also represents and retails many international third party products including Cosmos, Rail Europe, Silver sea Cruises, Star Cruise, and Escorted Tours to USA etc. NRI - The NRI Division of Cox & Kings caters to the Non Resident Indians who would like to travel around the world with Indian families. Cox & Kings organizes special tours for these families where the NRI community would like to travel with like-minded families across the world. Duniya Dekho & FIT Packages are specifically designed for this Market Segment by this division.

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Inbound Tourism

Inbound Travel business promotes India as a tourist destination. The company caters primarily to the high-end segment of the inbound market and conducts a range of group and individual tours throughout India for its clients from across the world. We provide destination management services and cover all aspects of ground tour management such as hotel bookings, air/ rail ticketing, roundtrip, airport transfer, land arrangements, excursion planning, meet and greet services, event planning, meetings and appointments, conference management, private air charter, etc. We also provide specialised services to foreign participants visiting India for international meetings, conferences, ad hoc incentives and exhibitions and cater to domestic conferences and corporate incentives as well. Additionally, we provide ground related services to international cruise companies touching Indian shores with a provision for shore excursions. This segment is growing at close to 25 per cent.

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Domestic Holidays India with its large domestic consumer offers Cox & Kings a unique opportunity to launch its portfolio of 'domestic holidays' for people resident in India. Launched in 2000, 'Bharat Dekho' (see India) is today's leading 'branded' product in the country with a wide range of 'Indian Holidays' from cultural holidays, pilgrim holidays, wildlife holidays, honeymoon tours, weekend getaways, customized FIT Tours to nature trails, Bharat Dekho has captured over 50% of the domestic market. Some of the Tours offered under Bharat Dekho are-: Name of Tour

Duration

Charges

Nainital, Mukteshwar ,

08D / 07N

(Per Person) INR 22627

Binsar & Corbett Delhi, Agra & Jaipur Srinagar, Sonamarg &

05D / 04N 05D / 04N

INR 13068 INR 11041

Gulmarg Kathmandu & Pokhara Srinagar, Sonamarg,

06D / 05N 06D / 05N

INR 16800 INR 13401

Gulmarg & Pahalgam Chandigarh, Panchkula,

08D / 07N

INR 17046

Manali, Shimla & Kullu Srinagar, Sonamarg,

07D / 06N

INR 15851

Gulmarg & Pahalgam Delhi, Jaipur, Agra &

07D / 06N

INR 17848

Gwalior

Business Travel

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Cox & Kings is one of the market leaders in business travel services in India, offering a full range of business travel services to over 200 corporate clients, including major multinational companies. C&K strength in this business area is evident when one of the world's largest conglomerate in business travel - Radius the First truly global travel management partnership/consortium with merger of Travel Trust International and Woodside Travel Management Corporation in 1992 selected Cox & Kings as their Indian partner. C&K - Radius Overseas Travel Fulfillment Solutions through the Radius Brand Leveraging the partnership with Radius, Cox and Kings can offer Travel Fulfillment Services to Corporate Clients who are having offices overseas or project teams working on site at their customer’s site, through its Radius Shareholders in the respective overseas regions. All travel requirements will be controlled through the off shore 24 x 7 Travel Center based in Mumbai.

Incentive & conference solutions

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Over 7000 incentives in the last 4 years make Cox and Kings the biggest player in Incentives. The Incentive Solutions Division of Cox & Kings provides cost effective travel incentive schemes for clients that recognize and reward exceptional effort of its employees, customers, suppliers or dealers. A team of handpicked industry specialists committed to handling every aspect of an incentive / conference event are a part of this team. Cox & Kings is a ONE STOP SHOP. They offer the following services all under one roof •

Business Travel (Air tickets Domestic & International)

•

Visas/port/Medical Insurance assistance

•

Hotel bookings

•Car/Coach/Railway

bookings

•

Foreign Exchange

•

Leisure Travel (Overseas holidays land & cruise bookings)

•

Destination Management(Domestic holidays & conference management)

Foreign Exchange

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Cox & Kings is amongst the leading retail forex dealers in the country. We were one of the first travel companies to be granted the license as the Authorised Dealer - Category II under the new licensing regime. The enhancement of status from FFMC to Authorised Dealer - Category II opened a wide spectrum of activities which we can undertake; foremost among them is the ability to transact outward remittance requirements. The remittances or other exchange facilities for students pursuing studies abroad, medical treatment overseas, migrant travellers, salary and wages to crews on ships visiting in India, subscriptions for overseas publications, seminars, organization’s hip are some of the new businesses which we can undertake in addition to providing foreign exchange service to Leisure Travellers and Corporate / Business Travellers. This places Cox & Kings in league with Authorized Dealers like Foreign Exchange Nominated Banks to cater to the requirements of a whole host of customers. It works with more than 100 corporate clients and caters to its large leisure base.

Travel Insurance

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Policies for Leisure Domestic as well as International Travel and special Corporate Deals on Insurance covering an array of specialized travel areas, some of which are: •

Loss of baggage (checked)

•

Bounced Hotel / Airline Bookings

•

Missed connections

•

Personal Accident

•

Trip Cancellation due to hospitalisation, death or curfew.

Trade fairs

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Cox & Kings a unique opportunity to launch its portfolio of 'Trade fairs' for people who take part in the different trade fairs . Some of the Tour’s offers under Trade Fairs are-: Name of Tour

Duration

Charges

CeBIT 2010 Exhibitor's Group

07 D / 06 N

INR 49990 + EUR 750

Package – 1 Hannover 2010 Visitor's Group

05D / 04N

INR 49990 + EUR 650

Package Heimtextil 2010 Exhibitor's

07 D / 06 N

INR 49990 + EUR 750

Group Package Wire & Tube 2010 Exhibitor's

06D / 05N

INR 49900 + EUR 650

(Per Person)

Group Package 07 Nts

Visa

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Cox and kings usually provides four types of visas. 1.Tourism Visa 2 .Business Visa 3 .Employment Visa 4.Study Visa Tourism Visa Tourist visa is required for people wanting to visit a country for holiday, sightseeing, social or recreational reasons . This visa can also be used to visit relatives, friends or for other short-term non-work purposes. This visa could be single or multiple entry depending on your travel plan. This type of visa is applicable for you if you are outside the country you intend to visit and want to apply .If granted, this visa will allow you either a single or multiple entries to that country depending on the immigration rules of that country . You must have a genuine intention to visit the place as a tourist, for recreation or to visit your family and/or friends. Family , under 18, who are travelling with you and are included on your port, can be included in your application. Other family who have separate ports must lodge separate applications. A Tourist visa may be granted if you have complied with the conditions , requirements of set by the country you intend to travel and you meet all the eligibility criteria’s. Health Insurance may also be required by some countries, while some countries may stress on other requirements such as Character requirements, however one of the most important requirements could be your Financial requirements as you must have access to sufficient

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funds to cover all costs for the duration of your stay , including health insurance if required. You may be asked to provide evidence of your funds.Examples: personal bank statements, pay slips, audited s, taxation records, credit card limit. Your visa will be linked to the port number you use in your application and you must use the same port to travel to that particular country , you need to make sure your port is valid for the period of stay you are applying for. If you obtain a new port, you must advise the department of the new port details before you travel. Otherwise, you will experience significant delays at the airport and could be denied permission to board your plane.

Documents Required for Issuance of Visa to Singapore •

Valid port with validity of more than six months.

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•

All forms need to be Signed by the Applicant and vclear photocopy of the forms should be taken.

•

Note: Light or bad photocopy of the forms will not be accepted.

•

Complete an application form (Form 14) and letter of introduction (Form V39A) together with a recent port-sized photograph. Please note that the photograph must be 35 mm by 45 mm high without border and taken within the last 3 months. It has to be taken full face without headgear (unless the applicant habitually wears a headgear in accordance with his/her religious or racial custom but the headgear must not hide the applicant's features). The facial image must be between 25 mm and 35 mm from chin to crown taken against a plain white background. The photograph finishing should be matt or semi-matt. Please ensure that your form is properly completed. Any incomplete submission or false declaration will result in the application being rejected .

•

Confirmed onward air-ticket. Note: Airline staff travelling on open-dated air-ticket need to produce a no objection letter from the airline concerned together with his/her staff identity card at the time of submission.

•

Valid entry visa to the next destination.

•

Ensure that your port has at least one blank page for the visa to be pasted on.

•

They do not issue visa on page insert/additional sheet ;

•

Sufficient funds for the period of stay in Singapore; andApplicants will have to personally furnish additional documents as and when necessary.

For newly wed couple, there is requirement of Marriage Proof e.g Marriage Card of either pax, Marriage Certificate

The Cox & Kings Advantage

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•

Best Brand for over 250 years and been operational non-stop since 1758.

•

One Stop Travel Fulfillment Center (Online as well as Offline Fulfillment) for all Travel Related Services including a range of third party products

•

Integrated Information Technology Platform to offer centralized reservation systems for all business units

•

Excellent Supplier Contracting & Capabilities

•

Strong online Presence

•

Timely & Accurate MIS

•

Knowledgeable Staff

•

via BPO & Call Centers

•

Innovative Products Design and Creative Marketing

•

Global Shareholder of Radius

Cox & Kings today deploys highest information technology platform in the Indian Travel Industry. It has developed totally integrated front, mid and back office solutions. This has brought about huge cost savings for the organisation, thus managing to offer 'quality' service to its customers at a great cost savings.

As one of the most established travel company, we have the leverage to negotiate commissions and overrides on airfares, cruises, coach tours, holiday packages as well as hotel accommodation and car rentals. Which means, with us you have access to preferential deals and a strong competitive advantage to offer them to your customers.

STRATEGIES TO REACH CUSTOMER

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Marketing Strategy Online and Offline Medium is used for the marketing of Cox & Kings Products and to create the brand awareness and reach out to the clients. National Level as well as Regional Marketing Campaigns is adopted for creating the Cox & Kings brand awareness.

•

Offline Strategy

The offline marketing of cox & kings include the following-: 1)

Franchisee

2)

Cox and Kings offices

3)

GSA/PSA

i)

Franchisee •

A franchise is a business arrangement where the owner Cox & Kings (the franchisor) of a business concept grants you (the franchisee) the licensed right to own and operate a business based on the franchisor’s business concept, using its trademark. The franchisor helps you (the franchisee) start your business, providing training, assistance with, site development and ordering inventory, advertising and marketing .

•

A travel franchise offers you the chance to be your own boss, while operating under the security of an established brand.

•

As a travel franchise you could see healthy profits like any established travel company without spending years concentrating on building your own brand to compete with the big boys in the industry.

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ii) Cox & Kings offices The another strategy that cox & kings adopt is the marketing or selling or offering their services through their branch offices which are located in almost major cities in India.

iii)

GSA/PSA

A General Sales Agent (GSA) is a sales representative for a tourism industry in a specific country or region. Typically, the GSA is responsible for selling all products of the country in its region which includes everything. When a company selects a GSA as its sales representative for a region, as opposed to opening its own branch, it generally does so for economic reasons or because the GSA has historical ties with travel and cargo agents which will be too timeconsuming for the company to build itself. Cox & Kings has Strong GSA/PSA network which strengthen its marketing strategy.

•

Online strategy

Cox & Kings today deploys highest information technology platform in the Indian Travel Industry. It has developed totally integrated front, mid and back office solutions. This has

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brought about huge cost savings for the organisation, thus managing to offer 'quality' service to its customers at a great cost savings. Imagine when customer book a ticket they first go on to a Central Reservation System (CRS). Next, they have to to another system for a hotel from 'X' supplier, then into another system to compare the rates with 'Y' supplier. Finally they have to physically capture all this information and print that data Not anymore… With the Cox & Kings advantage, life is a lot simpler. Now with their online access system, customer can complete all your processes using just one window - just one simple booking system. Cox & Kings will also ensure that the most comprehensive IT Software is put into place so they have everything they need. Cox & Kings has developed an online portal, which is a web enabled dynamic system that includes holidays, sightseeing, cars, hotels, transfers, insurance and other ancillary travel services. Most of the products and services are available on a real time basis and is backed by a 24x7 call centre. With the company's online access system, one can complete all processes using just one window, just one simple booking system.

MARKET PRESENCE OF COX AND KINGS

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Cox and Kings’ ed office is situated in Mumbai, India with 255 points of presence covering 164 locations through a mix of branch sales offices, franchised sales shops, General Sales Agents (GSAs) and Preferred Sales Agents (PSAs). Cox and Kings’ have 14 branch sales offices located in Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Pune, Nagpur and Goa. Besides, Cox and Kings also operates through 56 franchised sales shops spread across India to have larger access to our customers. Further, they have an extensive network of 185 GSAs and PSAs covering all major towns and cities of India. Cox and Kings has a global presence with its operations in 18 countries besides India through subsidiaries, branch offices and representative offices. They have subsidiaries in UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, US, UAE and Singapore and operates from Moscow (Russia), Maldives and Tahiti through our branch offices and Spain, Sweden, , Italy, , Taiwan, South America and South Africa through our representative offices. The company through its subsidiary in Australia has acquired Tempo Holidays, one of the leading wholesalers in the Australian outbound tourism market. CKIL’s subsidiary, Quoprro Global Services Pvt. Ltd., acquired in 2008 accepts and processes visa applications from foreign nationals applying for Indian visas in Greece and Singapore. Recently, they got further approvals from the diplomatic mission of India in Hong Kong.

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In 2009, CKIL acquired the East India Travel Company in North America, one of the top three source markets for the Indian subcontinent Further, they have presence in overseas markets through a network of GSAs and PSAs covering other countries enhancing our global presence.

FUTURE PLANS OF COX AND KINGS

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•

COX & Kings is set to expand its foreign exchange business to more centres in India

•

The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), and Cox and Kings India Ltd., (CKIL), have signed a t Venture agreement to set up a company called the Royale Indian Rail Tours Ltd., to manage and operate the first pan-India luxury tourist train.

•

Efforts are being made so that online and offline business models would complement each other in a very effective manner in future

•

Expecting a huge and unprecedented jump in the outflow and inflow of tourists in the country, the Cox and Kings, has decided to expand its operations in India.

ROLE ASSIGNED TO ME IN THE ORGANIZATION

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1.

Sales(Direct, telephonic & home visit) and marketing( canope, local media

ment ) of International travel packages to Far East & European Nations. 2.

Sales and marketing of Domestic travel packages to Amarnath Journey & Nainital.

3.

Visa Assistance

4.

Making itinerary for customised packages

5.

Tour Costing

6.

Issuing Travel Insurance

7.

Doing Intra For clients

8.

Flight Details

9.

Money Exchange

LEARNINGS

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1.

Knowledge of the destinations.

2.

Handling the clients effectively.

3.

Different flights operating throughout the world.

4.

Professional Codes

5.

Documents or details required for certain processes viz issuance of visa,

travel insurance, foreign exchange. 6.

Team Work

7.

Competitors strategy.

8.

Building relationship with suppliers, hotels etc. to get the best bid.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

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•

www.coxandkings.co.in

•

www.wikipedia.org

•

www.financialexpress.com

•

www.google.com

•

www.thehindubusinessline.com

•

www.tribuneindia.com

•

www.icmrindia.org

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