In a strategic move to tap into the expansive Indian market, Bintan Resorts has partnered with VFS Global, to promote Bintan Resorts in Bintan Island of the Riau Islands Province of Indonesia as a premier travel destination. This partnership was officially cemented with the signing of an agreement on 29 August 2024 at the Grand Lagoi Hotel in Bintan Resorts.
The collaboration aims to enhance the visibility and appeal of Bintan Island, positioning it as a top choice for Indian travellers and welcome them to enjoy the island’s plethora of offerings. Leveraging VFS Global’s extensive network across India in all major and secondary cities, along with its strong connections with businesses, media, and corporate entities, the partnership is expected to boost tourism from India to Bintan Island.
Bintan Resorts is committed to showcasing the island’s rich tourism potential, from its captivating culinary offerings to its high-quality services and warm hospitality focused on comfort. These elements are anticipated to make Bintan Island an irresistible destination for Indian travellers.
“We are excited to partner with VFS Global to introduce the beauty and charm of Bintan Island to the Indian market,” said Abdul Wahab, Chief Operating Officer of Bintan Resorts. “This collaboration will elevate Bintan’s status as a must-visit destination for Indian tourists. We eagerly look forward to welcoming more visitors from India and offering them the exceptional experiences that only Bintan Island can provide,” added Wahab.
The partnership will launch a targeted marketing campaign in major Indian cities, aiming to position Bintan as a prime travel destination, alongside Singapore. It will feature an innovative dual-destination strategy, with a captivating tagline highlighting Bintan’s unique attractions from family-friendly vacations and adrenaline-pumping adventures to enticing culinary experiences and special events such as weddings, MICE and more.
Promotions will focus on the digital and social media platforms, in collaboration with influencers, B2B sales, and organising workshops and familiarisation trips for influencers and content creators. A major initiative will be working closely with the travel trade partner friends, that both partners have cultivated over the years, to promote the island to their clients. The partnership seeks to harness VFS Global’s vast media network and connections to significantly boost Bintan Island’s visibility and attract a substantial influx of tourists.
“Together, we will work towards increasing the Indian tourist arrivals to Bintan Island and enriching their overall travel experience. Of immediate priority for both partners is to re-introduce Bintan island’s offerings to the Indian audiences and socialise them to the sheer convenience of hopping on to the island from the shores of Singapore to enjoy themselves as families, small and big groups,” said G B Srithar, Head of Tourism Services at VFS Global. He noted that the Indian market presents a promising opportunity for Bintan’s tourism sector, as India was Singapore’s third-largest source of visitors in 2019, with approximately 1.4 million travellers. Singapore concluded 2023 with 1.08 million Indian visitors. Bintan Island plans to entice and welcome a significant share of travellers to Singapore.
“By positioning Bintan Resorts as a complementary destination to Singapore, easily accessible by a hassle-free 60-minute ferry ride from the city-state, we aim to attract a double-digit share of these Indian visitors,” said Wahab. The dual-destination approach is expected to capitalise on the appeal of two exceptional travel experiences.
The signing event was attended by various stakeholders such as Ni Made Ayu Marthini, Deputy Minister for Marketing, 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; Arief Sumarsono, Head of Tourism Office Bintan Regency, Bintan Resorts Council, along with other key figures from the travel and tourism industries and the media.
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