India-based luxury destination management company (DMC) Ventours International is broadening its global footprint, appointing a business executive in Australia.
Ventours International was established 34 years ago, providing tailormade travel services in its home country, as well as Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and the Maldives. The DMC has offices in Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Udaipur, Varanasi and Jodphur, providing tour operators and travel advisors with customised itineraries for individuals and small groups, centred around luxury hotels, lodges and resorts.
The company has also developed Ventours Aviation to cater to private travel needs within the region, handling numerous private jet groups including the recent National Geographic Private Jet Expedition, which explored Kathmandu, Paro and Thimpu. Ventours can also develop niche itineraries, from retreats and wildlife encounters, to spiritual journeys and ladies’ groups.
Ventours has a strong presence in foreign markets, including the United States, where it is a member of the Signature Travel network and believes the Australian market is now ripe for its DMC operation to be pushed out locally. While there are already Indian operators in this market, Ventours says its stronghold in India, “deep seated passion” for Bhutan, and unique travel solutions in Nepal – beyond trekking and adventure experiences – will be its point of difference.
Appointed to steer the business in Australia is Kirsty Thomas-Thoeun, recently named Sales & Business Development Manager. Kirsty has over 20 years industry experience, specialising in Asia and the Indian subcontinent as a Travel Advisor and more recently representing on-sites, hotels and cruise companies. Having previously trekked in Nepal and following a recent three-week visit to Nepal and Bhutan, Kirsty said she is particularly excited to promote the luxury end of the Nepalese travel market to travel advisors and tour operators.
“I can truly now paint a different picture for them rather than how many see Nepal as an adventure-only destination,” she said.
She is also keen to educate the trade on Bhutan. She said that many travel advisors are well aware of the high-end accommodation options available but are less familiar with the country’s five main valleys and the driving distances between them.
Kirsty told LATTE that Ventours was excited to develop close B2B relationships with the trade, which would likely include the DMC’s first ever famil for Australian advisors in late 2020, likely to incorporate Nepal and Bhutan.
To connect with Kirsty Thomas-Thoeun and to discuss customised FIT and MICE itineraries, or small-group tours through India, Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet, email kirsty@ventours.com, or call +61 439 194 249.
For additional information on Ventours, go to www.ventours.com
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