Planning a honeymoon overseas is very common among Indians, but holding a destination wedding is a rather new phenomenon, and the trend is gaining momentum as more and more couples look for traditional large-scale weddings in unique destinations.
Kenya
India has become the primary source market for Kenya in the Asian continent with 58,986 Indian arrivals in 2011. India has recently risen to be one of the top five markets in tourist arrivals for Kenya. According to Jennifer Opondo, Head of Marketing, Kenya Tourist Board (KTB), more couples from different part of the world are now choosing Kenya as their wedding destination because of the diversity and experience. Kenya offers locations ranging from classic beach weddings, balloon weddings and wild bush weddings to traditional African ceremonies.
Bush Weddings are held in safari parks and can be customised to typically include the marriage ceremony at a safari lodge followed by cocktails and a special meal. Opondo said, “In the actual ceremony we can also provide the couple with a choir, musician, and even tribal dancers, with venue decoration including tent and flowers being arranged by the lodge.”
A Beach wedding is most popular among couples. According to Opondo, “Beach weddings are easy to plan and affordable. The agent planning the trip can even work with us to plan the wedding and tailor it to suit the couple perfectly. A beach wedding can leave you with more options in terms of hotels and ceremony features. One can opt for small boutique hotels or big resort properties with add-on activities.”
Balloon weddings over the wild plains of Maasai Mara include hour-long flights with each balloon carrying a maximum of 12 guests. For a fully private wedding ceremony, there is a pastor, a pilot and the bride and groom. The wedding is followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush at the landing site.
Commenting on accessibility to Kenya, Opondo said, “Visa-on-arrival makes it very easy for Indians to visit Kenya. Kenya also has excellent direct and indirect air connectivity with India. Kenya Airways has 10 weekly flights direct from Mumbai and four weekly flight direct from Delhi. The main tourism inflow to Kenya are from the western Indian region including the cities of Gujarat and Mumbai, followed by Delhi and rest the of India.”
Jamaica
According to Rajeev Nangia, Associate Director, TRAC Representations for Jamaica Tourist Board in India, Jamaica is perceived as a high – end niche destination offering an unconventional holiday experience, exclusive and customised for the High Networth Individual. “Mumbai and New Delhi are the key Markets for Jamaica. Considering the niche appeal of the destination, JTB is gaining a strong foothold in these key markets. Jamaica boasts of sumptuous cuisine, seductive beaches, crystal blue waters, natural beauty, romantic ambiance and an idyllic collection of wedding venues. The destination makes it easy for couples to get married just 24 hours after their arrival; and to alleviate the couple’s stress, many of the island’s luxurious hotels and resorts make all the wedding and honeymoon arrangements to suit the desires of the bridal couple.”
Elaborating on the wedding locations he said, “Dunn’s River Falls and Dunn’s River beach is certainly a unique place for a wedding. Scenic spots on the location include a picnic areas, live music stages, jerk chicken huts, wedding gazebos, decks overlooking the fall and the Dunn’s River beach. Jamaica offers all- inclusive hotels, intimate inns, lush private villas or resorts, every accommodation to fit a wedding location.
According to him, “Indians are willing to spend more and more on unique and experiential accommodation, moving beyond star category rooms and hotels. Indians are booking luxury-tented accommodations, double pool villas and historically luxurious suites when they travel abroad.” This trend has made Indians the highest spenders on an average when travelling overseas.
“The accommodations are top notch and the service is first class. Half Moon – Rose Hall, Iberostar Grand Hotel – Rose Hall, Sandals – Negril, Sandals – Montego Bay and Riu – Ocho Rios are some of the best all-inclusive wedding and honeymoon resorts,” he said adding that on- island wedding coordinators make it easy to create a fantasy wedding.
Commenting on their marketing strategy for the segment Nangia said, “Jamaican suppliers and hoteliers send regular newsletters and special offers through Jamaica Tourist Board.”
