Kuoni Business Travel launched SONIC 2.2. This tool is an enhancement to its successful corporate travel booking tool SONIC which was launched in 2012. SONIC 2.2 is a cloud-based corporate travel solutions platform that provides a complete end-to-end technology suite which encompasses advanced internet booking engine facility using multiple sources of fares and availability, combined with comprehensive reporting and management capabilities.

Powered by a fare pricing engine, ensuring the lowest and most accurate fares at all times at an outstanding speed, Sonic 2.2 aims to offer clients integrated solutions individually tailored to a company's corporate culture and travel program needs. The system is PCI-DSS compliant.

Commenting on the upgrade Manoj Chacko, CEO, Kuoni Business Travel said "We have come a long way since we first launched SONIC in 2012. The product, which was originally a very basic domestic booking tool, has today emerged as a unique offering in Corporate Travel. This product addresses the travel booking needs of the traveller and travel administrator as well as the key decision makers in the corporate. It also provides a single window to Kuoni's staff to search and respond to booking queries of their corporate customers. In addition, there are multiple aggregators enabling the system to provide offshore fares along with the India published fares on the same window. SONIC is also integrated to Travel Expense module, which will be customizable as per client policy".

The new enhancement is also beneficial for the Travelers, as the tool provides exhaustive search result display through GDS and multiple LCC. On booking the traveller receives an instant SMS and Email alerts with PNR and trip details. SONIC 2.2 also ensures customer data security.

The following are the services offered through Sonic:

Booking
• Air ticketing
• Rail ticketing
• Bus ticketing
• Hotels
• Guest House
• Cab booking

Travel Assistance
• Travel insurance
• Visa
• Passport assistance

Ancillary
• Calling cards
• FOREX services
• Meet & Assist Services (MAAS)

Emergency
• Traveller tracker report
• 24x7 Support

SONIC platform has a number of exclusive features that sets it apart from other software tools in the travel space:

Approval Flow
Sonic 2.2 offers multilevel approval mechanism for trip and deviation approval along with cost.

Policy Configuration
Sonic 2.2 rule engine is fully customizable. It can be tailor made to fulfill the requirements of your organization. The rule engine ensures 100% policy compliance. The policy level settings can be configured on band, designation, department, location, title or any parameter so desired by the organization.

Trip Booking Module
Sonic 2.2 is connected to global distribution systems, airline and hotel reservation systems, aggregators and API of Low Cost carriers. It has a single screen display for both LCC and GDS Carrier, along with Web and Corporate fares. It gives flexibility to create and book a Trip including/excluding various service offering like Air, Hotel and Car, with real time ticket issuance.

Traveler Profile
Integration of Client Active Directory and HRMS tool with Sonic 2.2 ensures employee profile data and approval hierarchy are in sync and updated in a timely manner.

Analytics
Real time reports enable your organization to derive data to measure the effectiveness of your travel program.

Mobile Site and APP
Mobile site and app give easy access to both Traveler and Approver from anywhere at any time.

Vendor and Partner Collaboration
Sonic 2.2 provides your organization the ability to upload all negotiated local contracts and rates for vendors that do not have the API Connect. A vendor/partner will be able to accept bookings and update confirmation number. This solution provides a seamless booking experience to traveler and a single platform to both booker and vendor.

September 23, 2015

Kuoni-SOTC launches The India Holiday Report 2015

• 96% of Indians believe that holidays are important
• 15% respondents rate holidays higher than clothes & electronic gadgets
• 81% of respondents who chose group holiday, chose it because of their 'Cost Effectiveness' and 68%, for their inclination towards home food
• Women look at holidays primarily as an escape from household chores, while men seek space when on holiday
• 83% respondents take up to 20 days of leave annually
• 'Personal Health Conditions' have been cited as the main reason for cancelled holidays by 66% of the respondents while 'Work Commitments' account for 63% of the respondents

With a philosophy of making holidays a priority, Kuoni-SOTC, today revealed the findings of its India Holiday Report 2015. The study was conducted by Nielsen with 900+ Indians across 6 cities - Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Bangalore and Chennai in the age group of 25 to 60 years to understand the mindset and behavior of the Indian traveler towards holidays.

Speaking on the report launch, Mr. Vishal Suri, CEO - Tour Operating, Kuoni India said, "The Kuoni-SOTC Holiday Report for 2015, research for which has been conducted by Nielsen with an objective to understand and obtain insights of the Indian Leisure Traveler and their travel behaviour. At Kuoni-SOTC, it is always our endeavour to continuously offer great value to our customers and cater to their needs. The insights from this study will further help us move in this direction making holidays a priority for Indians".

Rajeev Wagle, Managing Director Kuoni India said "The launch of this report underlines our commitment and our undying passion for making more and more people see a little bit more of the world. There is a lot in store for our esteemed customers and partners here at Kuoni India. Each of you present here today, have shown great confidence and loyalty to our organization for years, providing prudent guidance even in difficult times. My sincere thanks and gratitude to the support contributed by the partners to the growth of Kuoni India's business achievements. We are counting that this esteemed partnership we share further deepens and continues to prosper in all our future endeavors".

The Report showcases the findings of the study under the following 3 categories:

1) HOLIDAY PLANNING AND INFLUENCERS

Holidays rated higher than clothes & electronic gadgets

International and domestic holidays are looked at as investment for an experience that no material pursuit can provide. At 15% respondents grading 'Holidays' over 'Clothes and Apparel' (13%) and 'Electronics' (10%) are proof that holidays are more important to them, over corporeal demands.

Chennai leads the pack with a whopping19%, followed by Ahmedabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru and then Mumbai. All age groups of 25-40, 40-50 and 50-60 respondents showed the same enthusiasm for holidays echoing the thought 'age is just a number'.

96% respondents believe that holidays are important

Everyone interviewed acknowledged that they "needed a break". With the planning entrusted upon travel planners, consideration of taking a holiday has increased manifold. While almost two out of three people consider holidays to be vital in their lives for rejuvenation and efficiency, one third consider holidays to be considerably important.

Cost effectiveness and Indian cuisine are the top reasons to prefer group holidays

The Indian traveler wants value for money spent. Another trait that sets many Indian travelers apart is their staunch preference for Indian cuisines. With group holidays meeting both these criteria, it is not surprising that such packages have many takers. 81% of respondents chose group holidays because of their 'Cost Effectiveness'. 68% respondents choose group holidays thanks to their inclination towards home food.

• 87% of respondents in Delhi and 73% in Ahmedabad selected 'Indian Food' as the decisive factor for opting for group holidays.
• 89% of people in Kolkata prefer to travel with their regional community on group holidays.

Holiday experiences - gender preferences

Women
• Women look at holidays primarily as an escape from the house-hold chores. They seek pampering and indulgence which they are not usually able to indulge in back home.
• Long relaxing spas and beauty treatments tops the list of indulgence. Women respondents enjoy spending on shopping at the local markets and buying collectibles and souvenirs.
• Playing cards and indulging in adventure sports is a rising trend among them.

Men
• Men seek space when on a holiday. A holiday for them is fundamentally a holiday from people, networking and associating.
• Men love exploring quirky markets that are not to be found in their own city or country. The idiosyncrasy of the locale captivates a male traveler and adds to the thrill.
• Like women seek freedom from household chores, men want to free themselves from the burdens of workplace and economy. With family, some men feel uncomfortable ditching them for a bar hopping or night crawling session. Some prefer to visit places without families to avoid the guilt and discomfort if the family is not like minded.

2) HOLIDAYS FINANCE AND SHARE OF WALLET

64% respondents save money for holidays

• Most respondents plan and save for their dream vacation. By creating a holiday fund, almost 64% respondents save for their holidays.
• 'Credit Cards' has turned out to be the next preferred option as it gives the respondent the space to pay for the trip in installments for a small interest.
• 11% of them prefer to go post-paid instead of saving for the big trip.
• Spontaneity is a welcome feature when awarded with bonuses, about 7% the respondents lean on spending the 'Bonus or Incentives' on a holiday. The same percentage (7%) 'Takes Loans' for their holidays, because of impulse.

88% respondents prefer 'Bank Savings' for their holidays

• While very few find 'Fixed Deposits' to dictate their holiday time and budget, it comes next to 'Bank Savings' at 5%, following closely are 'Recurring Deposits' at 4%

16% of respondents' annual income is spent on holidays

• Today's traveler takes pleasure in treating him / herself. Amongst all the Indian respondents that were surveyed, Domestic Holidays consumed 11% of their annual income. International Holidays lag behind with 5% of annual income kept aside for such extravagances.
• With an eye on rainy days, respondents preferred spending more (11%) on holidays than on 'Home Appliances' (8%), 'Electronic Gadgets' (8%), and even on 'Medical Expenses' (7%)

3) LEAVES, DURATION, HOLIDAY FREQUENCY AND CANCELLATION

83% respondents take upto 20 days of leave annually
A holiday is no longer a frivolous indulgence; it has become a priority.
The highest number of respondents at 44% took 11 to 20 days of leave per year

80% respondents holiday at least once a year
A holiday is a reward one gives oneself after having worked really hard during the year.
• Four out of five respondents took a vacation at least 'Once a year'
• 17% of respondents take a holiday at least 'Once in Six Months' out of which a small but certain lot of 6%respondents are serious about holidaying or choose to holiday at least ‘Once every 3 months’.

Health, work & budget; top reasons for cancelling holidays
• 'Personal Health Conditions' have been the cause for cancelled holidays for 66% of the respondents.
• 'Work Commitments' have played the role of villain for 63% of the respondents.
• 62% of respondents held 'Budget Constraints' responsible for their holidays being cancelled.

And lastly, the report ends with vacationers being divided into four distinct groups i.e. value seeker, adventure enthusiast, culture venturer and the Pro based on their Holiday traits.

September 23, 2015

Kuoni India launches its second edition of Perfect Moments - Luxury Travel Collection

Following the success of Perfect Moment-The Luxury Travel Collection, Kuoni India today unveiled the second edition of Perfect Moments which features unexplored destinations, unchartered landscapes and novel leisure options that are the future of luxury travel. Perfect Moments contains within its folds something for every traveller. Be it those who prefer the coziness of known destinations, or those who prefer to leave their footprints on uncharted lands, virgin beaches, hidden Islands; Perfect Moments offers these unique experiences.

Meticulously curated and designed for the most discerning traveller the book contains a vast treasure of inspiration and information on luxury travel as a niche holiday experience. From the unparalleled excitement of experiencing the world's most premium boutique hotels to overwhelming indulgence of the finest luxury resorts across the globe, keeping in mind a taste of local flavors cultures and traditions crafted for every travelers continence.

Speaking at the event, Vishal Suri CEO Tour Operating Kuoni India said "It gives me immense pleasure to launch the second edition of Kuoni India's Perfect Moments-The Luxury Travel Collection. Over the years, our attempt has been to increase our canvas of destinations thereby presenting our customers with a range of ideal holiday options. Be it destinations with legacy of Luxury or Ananea holiday for the eco-friendly travelers, Kuoni has handpicked exclusive locations which cater to every traveler’s expectations of a perfect holiday".

Containing eight themes, the book offers a plethora of vacations in luxury settings that one can customize according to desire and convenience. Elemental, tailored, original and exclusive, the new face of brand Kuoni Perfect Moments translates the word luxury into a legendary experience which allows the Global Traveller to pick their perfect moments.

July 27, 2015

Experience the thrill of the world's ONLY full Formula 1 night race with KUONI-SOTC

Kuoni-SOTC presents a Customised Holiday for Formula 1 fan-followers

Kuoni-SOTC presents the holiday of a lifetime - a visit to Singapore, the home of Formula 1 night racing to witness the ultimate street race under the stars.

Aptly called "Thrilling Singapore", Kuoni-SOTC offers a 5 days customised holiday package for die-hard Formula 1 fans.

This thrilling package combines gripping race action with an all-day entertainment programme featuring international performers like Pharrell Williams, Maroon 5, Bon Jovi and many more.

"Thrilling Singapore" is a customised holiday package, which includes 4 nights' accommodation in Singapore, Daily Breakfast city tour, return airport transfers and most importantly F1 Ticket based on 3D Bay Grandstand Category.

Commenting on this unique offering, Mr. Vishal Suri, CEO, Tour Operating, Kuoni India said, "We are pleased to announce this exciting package - Thrilling Singapore. The package name itself signifies its uniqueness. It is an attractive package for adventurous travellers at an affordable price. It is mainly customised for the fan followers of Formula 1. It will be a dream come true experience for them. Formula 1 has a rapidly growing following in India. The Sport has many takers in India and has seen a growth of followers over the last few years. This package is a fantastic combo offer which includes sightseeing during day time with visits to Merlion Park, Chinatown, Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari etc. and then in the evening, guests move to the F1 venue and enjoy the fire on the F1 Circuit. "Thrilling Singapore" is a fun-filled package that allows for travellers to experience a thrill of a lifetime."

Thrilling Singapore Includes:
• 4 Nights' accommodation in Singapore.
• Daily Breakfast
• Half Day City Coach tour
• Return Airport Transfers
• F1 Ticket based on 3D Bay Grandstand Category

Price: Starting at SGD 950 per person

The package validity dates are Check-in 17th Sep- Check-out 21st Sep 2015 and the booking has to be made at least 10 Days prior to departure.