MxMIndia

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  • With internet users inIndiaat around 121 million, focus is now to create a solution for travellers to plan travel online

    Innovation is the key to enhance online travel & tourism industry

    By A Correspondent

     

    The online travel & tourism industry is set for unprecedented growth, provided payment and logistic issues are resolved. Speaking at the 4th IAMAI Travel & Tourism Summit, Himanshu Singh, Managing Director, Travelocity India & Chairman, Digital Commerce Committee, IAMAI, said: “The total travel market is around $800 billion and the online share is growing rapidly. Payment and logistics still pose a challenge and success parameter of business is about cracking these problems. These problems that we are facing today have to be countered by all players of the industry together, and this will help the market grow exponentially.”

     

    As per IAMAI ‘Internet Economy Watch’ data, e-ticketing continues to grow with irctc.com recording 5.56 million bookings in April 2012 as compared to 2.26 million bookings in April 2011. Airlines recorded 1.92 million bookings in April 2012, as compared to 1.01 million bookings in April 2011. The data for online travel is based on absolute numbers captured from nine websites.

     

    Speakers at the summit were united in their view that while, at present, group travel is the key to growth, the future will be more for the individual traveller. Sharing her thoughts, Swati Moha, Vice Pesident – Programming & Operations, Fox International, said: “While group travel is in vogue, there is a huge spurt in customized individual travel interests. People are looking for less explored destinations than before and with internet penetration on the rise, the industry is set for robust growth.”

     

    Globally travel & tourism market is pegged at about US$ 800 billion but the online market share has not reached its optimal point. With internet users inIndiaat around 121 million, focus is now to create a solution for travellers to plan travel online. “Innovative marketing strategy coupled with value additions will sway travellers to book hotels and tickets online”, said Devdutta Banerjee, Regional Director – Revenue Management, India, Bangladesh and Nepal, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. He added: “Online is the platform for growth. Integration of logistics and services is necessary to fuel further growth.”

     

  • This is the first BBC Knowledge campaign targeted at parents; the campaign will run across mainstream dailies, magazines, outdoors and digital

    BBC Knowledge launches brand campaign that speaks directly to parents

    By A Correspondent

     

    BBC Knowledge has launched a new campaign -‘There’s no telling what knowledge can do’ – directed at parents. The crux of the campaign hinges on the fact that the magazine – with its focus on science, history and nature – gives the child a head-start in today’s competitive world. It has been timed with the reopening of schools in major metros.

     

    This is the first BBC Knowledge campaign targeted at parents; the campaign will run across mainstream dailies, magazines, outdoors and digital. There will be dedicated parent-child contests run by the magazine for this campaign.

     

    “The campaign, which is targeted at parents, reminds them that knowledge is the only edge they can give their kids. And that it’s not an option, but a prerequisite today, when it has become as important to outdo the competition as it has to outdo yourself ,” said Ayesha Bedi, Creative Group Head, DDB Mudra Group.

     

    Soela Joshi, brand publisher, BBC Knowledge said: “Marketing to parents is much more insight-driven. Parents as central role models have the responsibility to bring knowledge into their children’s life. By targeting parents, we are opening doors for their kids too. ”

     

  • In his new role as National Corporate Sales Head, all non-station market sales teams including Mumbai, South,Delhiand government will report to him with immediate effect while he will continue reporting to the CEO, Harrish M Bhatia

    94.3 MY FM elevates Rahul Namjoshi as National Corporate Sales Head

    By A Correspondent

     

    94.3 MY FM has elevated Rahul Namjoshi as National Corporate Sales Head. Mr Namjoshi, who has been associated with MY FM since 2007 as the Regional Head for Gujarat, moved to take the role of Business Head for North, East and South zones last financial year where he has played a critical role in transforming the Delhi region within a short span of time.

     

    In his new role as National Corporate Sales Head, all non-station market sales teams including Mumbai, South,Delhiand government will report to him with immediate effect while he will continue reporting to the CEO, Harrish M Bhatia.

     

    Commenting on the development Mr Bhatia said: “MY FM has created a culture that acknowledges exceptional performers. We are pleased to promote Rahul as the National Corporate Sales Head for 94.3 MY FM. We are sure that with his knowledge of Radio and the brand, Rahul will take MY FM to newer heights, making a positive contribution to the top line of the company.”

     

    Continuing with the restructuring exercise, Harold Paul and Ambika Singh have been elevated to the Station Head level at MY FM’s key station – Ahmedabad. They will look after Corporate Sales and Retail Sales respectively.

     

    Before joining 94.3 MY FM, Mr Namjoshi was leading Reliance Industries Ltd – Textile division as Deputy General Manager.

     

  • Invites readers to vote for their favourite travel experiences and win luxury holiday stays

    Conde Nast Traveller India announces Readers’ Travel Awards 2012

    By A Correspondent

     

    Conde Nast Traveller is inviting its readers to vote for their most memorable and treasured travel experiences by participating in the annual Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards 2012, recognized internationally as a benchmark for excellence in the travel and tourism industry.

     

    Readers can vote for their favourite holiday destinations and travel experiences by filling in the Readers’ Travel Awards questionnaire available in the Conde Nast Traveller June-July 2012 issue or by logging onto www.cntraveller.in. The award winning destinations, hotels, airlines amongst other categories will be announced at an awards ceremony later in the year.

     

    Since their introduction in India last year, Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards have been recognized as the most prestigious travel awards in India.

     

    Divia Thani Daswani, Editor, Conde Nast Traveller India said: “We were overwhelmed by the response the awards received in their first edition in India. The Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards are widely acknowledged as the most prestigious awards in the travel industry, because they are voted for by our discerning readers, who understand, appreciate and ultimately consume luxury travel products and services. We look forward to an even greater response this year, given the increased circulation and reach of the magazine, and the growing appetite for luxury travel.”

     

    Conde Nast Traveller India readers have the opportunity to vote across 22 categories for their favourite destinations, hotels, airlines, spas, airports and more.

     

    Talking about the success of Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards in India, Shri Subodh Kant Sahay, Honourable Minister of Tourism, Government of India said: “Now is the time to properly market India’s tourist destinations and achieve our vision to double the number of tourists to India. Conde Nast Traveller has contributed extensively to the Indian tourism industry since its arrival in India and we believe that the magazine will offer a significant boost to our initiatives thanks to its circulation and credentials – which are tremendous, no doubt.”

     

  • Ms Sharma will be the face of all brand campaigns related to the TVS Scooty brand

    Anushka Sharma to endorse TVS Scooty

    By A Correspondent

     

    TVS Motor Company announced that it has signed on actor Anushka Sharma as the brand ambassador for its TVS Scooty range. Ms Sharma will be the face of all brand campaigns related to the TVS Scooty brand.

     

    TVS Scooty has been one of the most exciting two-wheeler brands for young women. This association with Anushka Sharma only strengthens the brands commitment to its youth target audience and reinforces its positioning.

     

    Commenting on the development, Mr H S Goindi, President Marketing, TVS Motor Company said: “Anushka Sharma was an immediate choice for the TVS Scooty brand. She is well known for being spunky with her distinctive style and is an icon for young girls inIndia. She is seen by young women as one who is living her goals along with being vivacious, independent and successful. We are confident that this association will further enhance the popular TVS Scooty Brand. ”

     

    For Ms Sharma, the association with TVS Scooty dates back to 2005: “It’s almost like ‘homecoming’ for me. As a young woman, I know how important independence and mobility is to me. TVS Scooty has always understood young women ofIndiaand it feels great that I now have an opportunity to be a part of the rich legacy of a brand such as TVS Scooty. It is a breakthrough attitude and style statement that is relevant to today’s young women.”

     

    TVS Scooty has a history of other successful associations with celebrities.

     

  • Premiering as a free-to-air channel on Sky, UMP Stars is a specialty entertainment channel dedicated exclusively to Bollywood

    UTV Stars enters UK as UMP Stars

    By A Correspondent

     

    Following a successful launch in India and the Middle East, UTV STARS now enters the UK market as UMP STARS. Premiering as a free-to-air channel on Sky, UMP STARS is a specialty entertainment channel dedicated exclusively to Bollywood.

     

    Commenting on the expansion in UK, MK Anand, Managing Director- Media Networks, Disney UTV said: “We are pleased to launch UMP STARS in the UK which will complement the presence of our flagship Hindi Movies channel UMP Movies in the region. UK has a large South Asian diaspora and Bollywood fanbase. With the launch on UMP STARS, the TV viewers will now be able to enjoy rich and vibrant Bollywood content. We are proud to extend our media sales association with Sky Media and look forward to another grand entry into the region after the successful launch of UMP Movies in December 2011.”

     

    Advertising representation for the channel in the UK will be handled by Sky Media. Richard Hawking – Operations Director commented: “We’re thrilled to be adding another UMP channel to our portfolio. Following the success of UMP Movies, UMP Stars strengthens and broadens our Asian offering to advertisers while delivering fantastic Bollywood content to Sky’s customers.”

     

    Kamlesh Patel, CEO, TVMedia3.com who exclusively distributes Disney UTV Channels in UK and Europe and sealed the deal between Sky and Disney UTV said: “TVMedia3 is delighted to bring UMP Stars to mainstream UK audiences on the huge success of UMP Movies earlier this year. TVMedia3 looks forward to building and delivering this unique content with the team at Disney UTV to audiences across the world”.

     

    The Broadcasting arm of Disney UTV made inroads into the UK market with the launch of UMP Movies on 12th December 2011. With the launch of UMP STARS, the company further strengthens its foothold in the region.

     

  • As part of the mandate, GreenThumb will be responsible for the development and implementation of an effective media strategy

    Modi Omega Pharma awards PR mandate to GreenThumb

    By A Correspondent

     

    Modi Omega Pharma India Pvt. Ltd. has appointed GreenThumb as its communications partner following a multi-agency pitch. As part of the mandate, GreenThumb will be responsible for the development and implementation of an effective media strategy to generate awareness across all metros and mini metros about the various brands in the company’s portfolio.

     

    Modi Omega Pharma is an OTC division of the Umesh Modi Group of Companies, which has over 17 companies in its portfolio and an annual turnover of Rs2,000 crore. Modi Omega Pharma was formed in 2010 as a 50:50 joint venture between Modi-Mundipharma and Omega Pharma Limited, a Belgium-based pharma OTC company with operations in over 35 countries.

     

    On the engagement with GreenThumb, Ms Himani Modi, Director, Modi Omega, said: “In the last few years, Modi Omega Pharma has endeavoured to bring internationally renowned OTC products to meet the changing needs of Indian consumers. Since 2010, we have launched an anti-snoring throat spray ‘Silence’, an anti-head lice lotion ‘Jungle Formula’ and anti-acne products under the brand ‘Bodysol’. We are in an expansion mode and recently launched a premium baby skin care brand ‘Galenco’. Therefore, it was imperative that proper measures should be taken to reach out to the target audience and create mass awareness about our products. We invited a multi-agency pitch and were keen to partner with a PR agency that would have a clear understanding of our requirements. We liked the fresh and innovative ideas that were presented by the GreenThumb team and decided to give the mandate to them.”

     

    Commenting on this partnership, GreenThumb’s CEO Arjun Banerjee said: “With only a handful of brands available in the anti-lice, anti-snoring and premium baby skin care segments, there is definitely a massive demand in the market for technologically advanced and high quality products in these categories. So, we are extremely happy to partner with Modi Omega for promoting their internationally renowned brands across India. The challenge would be to position Modi Omega’s brands as the most sought after in their respective categories and our PR Campaign over the next year will focus on addressing this issue.”

     

  • The move follows a relationship fostered by the group's MPG brand over the past nine years

    Havas picks majority stake in Mediaxis MPG

    By A Correspondent

     

    Havas Media, the world’s fastest growing media group has announced its majority stake in Zurich based media group, Mediaxis MPG. The move follows a relationship fostered by the group’s MPG brand over the past nine years and places Havas Media as one of the top ranking media operations in the Swiss market. Mediaxis MPG will remain as the group’s main operational brand.

     

    “The Swiss market is a key market for Havas Media and I am delighted that following a prosperous 9-year relationship, the management team have decided to further commit to the group and officially join our other 122 markets worldwide,” said Alfonso Rodes, CEO Havas Media.

     

    Mediaxis MPG, a leading qualitative media agency within the Swiss market, has a roster of clients including Reckitt Benckiser, Danone, Lindt, Barclays and Hermes who will continue to benefit from Havas Media’s respected tools, methodologies and thought leadership programmes. The founder, Peter Hofstetter will remain as Chairman, and member of the Executive Committee. The management of the company will remain on-board as key elements on the new long-term joint expansion plan.

     

    “We have all prospered as a result of our partnership and joining the Havas Media team is a natural step in further strengthening the group’s operations in the Swiss market. The existing management team have committed to driving this group forward and look forward to continuing to benefit from Havas Media’s tools and wider thought leadership activity such as its Meaningful Brands framework,” said Peter Hofstetter, Chairman of Mediaxis MPG.

     

    The majority stake is in effect from June 12.

     

  • Unveils a new line up of shows in the humour genre, strengthening its leadership with exciting new offerings

    Spark Punjabi launches new shows

    By A Correspondent

     

    Spark Punjabi, the international Punjabi channel which is a joint venture between Reliance Broadcast Network and CBS Studios International, is adding a new spark to its programming. True to its promise to deliver variety entertainment relevant to different target groups, beginning June 11, Spark Punjabi will feature special shows.

     

    Comedy seems to resonate very well with the viewers, even in the PHCHP region, and hence Spark Punjabi will be launching 2 new shows – Naadaniyaan, a situational comedy, and Bulbulay, a story of four lunatic characters, in the prime time slots.

     

    The new shows are being promoted through an aggressive multi media campaign, featuring TV, Radio, OOH, Print, Digital, Cable, Cinema across the PHCHP region to ensure that audiences quickly sample these new offerings.

     

    The channel launched these shows in sync with its recent campaign called ‘Choose Your Set-Top-Box Wisely’, designed to increase awareness and empower consumers with adequate information to make the right choice while choosing their set top boxes, while also enabling operators to build their brand equity.

     

  • The study was conducted among 6-14 year old kids, SEC ABC, in eight cities – Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Jalandhar and Chennai

    Bheem, Katrina Kaif and Sachin Tendulkar are kids’ favorites, says Ormax Media

    By A Correspondent

     

    As per the sixth edition of Ormax Media’s kids’ favourite character ranking study, Small Wonders, Bheem is the favourite television character among kids, followed by Doraemon at No. 2.

     

    The study also tracks the favourites of kids across nine other parameters. The table below lists the favourites across five parameters:

    Parameter No. 1 Favorite
    Favourite Film Star – Male Salman Khan
    Favourite Film Star – Female Katrina Kaif
    Favourite Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar
    Favourite Sportsperon (Non-cricket) Sania Mirza
    Favourite Hindi GEC Character Anandi (Balika Vadhu)

     

    The other three parameters measured by Small Wonders among kids are their Favourite Sports, Favourite Play Items and Favourite Places to Eat Outside.

     

    The study was conducted among 6-14 year old kids, SEC ABC, in eight cities – Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Jalandhar and Chennai.

     

    The study report gives details on all parameters across age, gender and markets.

     

     

  • The company has plans to ramp up its retail presence in the country substantially and the appointment of Vizeum is in line with this strategy

    Vizeum bags media duties of Veev

    By A Correspondent

     

    Veev, the premium leather goods brand which is promoted by Chennai based Srivathsa Industries, announced the appointment of Aegis Media’s Vizeum India as its media AOR.

     

    The company has plans to ramp up its retail presence in the country substantially and the appointment of Vizeum is in line with this strategy.

     

    Confirming the same, Prakash Venkatesan, CEO, Veev said: “We are delighted to partner with Vizeum as we focus on building our retail presence. We had strong referrals of Vizeum. Once we met them, we realized why they enjoyed such equity. We look forward to working with them and wish them the very best.”

     

    Commenting on the win,S Yesudas, Managing Director – Indian Subcontinent, Vizeum said: “We are humbled at the faith bestowed upon us by our clients and other business partners. I take this opportunity to welcome Veev into the Vizeum family. We are thankful to Prakash and team for considering us worthy. This business will be handled out of our Chennai Office.”

     

    Vizeum successfully operates in 55 countries with a philosophy of in-depth understanding of the co existence of lives, brands and media in the actual world.

     

  • Anurag Kashyap, along with Manoj Bajpai and Richa Chadda, to enact pivotal roles in the special episode of the teenage crime series

    Gangs of Wasseypur to raise the thriller quotient of Channel V’s Gumrah

    By A Correspondent

     

    Channel V has entered into an association with the cast and crew of Gangs of Wasseypur to deliver a spine chilling episode of ‘Gumrah’ this Sunday.

     

    In the forthcoming episode, director Anurag Kashyap and the stars from his movie Gangs of Wasseypur – Manoj Bajpai and Richa Chadda will render crucial roles. Gangs of Wasseypur is a celluloid depiction of a revenge saga set against the socio-political dynamics in the land of coal and scraps trade mafia of Wasseypur.

     

    Unlike regular tie-ups, wherein movie stars limit their screen time to only special appearances, Gumrah has the lead stars from the movie enact roles and give shape to the entire story. Sardar Khan ( Manoj Bajpai) and his wife (Richa Chadda) are set to play their characters from the movie and that has been skillfully interweaved with the episodic content, with a special voice over by Anurag Kashyap.

     

    Speaking on the show’s association with the movie, Prem Kamath, Executive VP and GM, Channel [v] stated: “We are pleased to be associated with Anurag, Manoj Bajpai and the team for Gumrah. This association lends credibility to both sides unlike any other occasion. In this episode we have tried to synthesize the key narration of the movie and the fundamental objective of Gumrah – that is to simulate a thought amongst the new generation to realize and chose the right path of action.”

     

    Anurag Kashyap, director and screenwriter, Gangs of Wasseypur said: “Gumrah is very closely knitted to the theme and story of Wasseypur. Based on the youth psyche, each story in Gumrah projects crowded emotions that often lead to unconceivable actions. GoW also deals with one such emotion namely revenge, which instigates human mind to take the path of crime.”