Views & Interviews

Q&A: Talking to providers of timeshare products and services

May 25, 2009

This month, we speak to Manoj Singhal, who is the Executive Director of Neesa Leisure, Gurgaon. We talk to him about Cambay Holidays, a fairly new venture in India’s timeshare marketplace.

Q: How and when did you start Cambay Holidays?

A: Though Cambay is just a little over a year old, we’ve been planning the project for a while. The key objective for us was to market well-designed, cost effective and highly innovate timeshare products, and I think we are right on track with Cambay.

Q: Did you always want to be in the “holiday” business?

A: Through Neesa Leisure, we already have a presence in the hospitality and holiday sector. Our experience here has helped us understand opportunities, markets, delivery platforms and most important of all, the customer. Cambay has taken our business interests in this segment to a whole new level. 

Q: What are the challenges to promoting a new property?

A: Whatever the background and experience of the promoters, creating awareness for a new project is always a major challenge. As in any start-up venture, we’re looking to increase awareness and optimize visibility of the brand and its offerings. Our initial efforts are moving in the right direction and we certainly hope to meet planned targets.

Q: Have you done anything “creative” to promote your property?

A: In the travel and holiday business there’s nothing like a first-hand feel for the property. So we organize free property tours for tour operators, corporate executives and decision makers in organizations. This has worked to a great degree and we have seen quick turnarounds in terms of responses. With the current, high media costs we are exploring innovative media opportunities in addition to the regular brand building exercise.

Q: What did your initial market research tell you?

A: Our initial market research was an interesting eye-opener – it gave us some very interesting insights to modern-day work pressures and how stress was a growing area of concern. If people then look for planned budget holidays, timeshare automatically comes into the picture. This was an opportunity staring at us in the face.

Q: How are things at this initial start-phase?

A: While the current recession isn’t helping matters, we have noticed that people will eventually take matters into their hands and do what is necessary. And a holiday with the family is one of those things that you can’t put in the back burner.

Q: Are you happy you joined AIRDA as a member?

A: I am glad we are part of AIRDA’s member network. This is a good sharing platform for the timeshare industry – especially in terms of ideas, strategies and best practices. While each member gains by the experience of other members, his own sharing of experiences goes a long way in enhancing the knowledge pool.

Q: Is there something you want us to do that we’re not doing now?

A: Can you promote your website so that people who are interested in timeshare can log in and get the right perspective on timeshare products? Would be nice if prospects can also leave their contact information behind, so that we can in turn get in touch with them.

Q: otes?

Here you are :

 “With the Spa & Golf Rresort in Gandhinagar, I think we are now equipped to host foreign visitors, in a setting that will appeal to them.”
- Ashish Pingle, Marketing Manager (Gujarat), Hindustan Coca Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd

 “I am a recently joined member of the Cambay Golf Club, Gandhinagar and I have to say, it has been all that I expected and much, much more. Not only have I discovered a hidden golfing talent within myself but enough facilities and services to bring along my wife and kids for an entertaining day out.”
- Gaurav Suri, (Director) Plastence India Ltd.

“We had a wonderful time at Goa. The resort was in a remote place, much closer to the beaches. I have received your RCI membership card and directory and would need your assistance to plan more amazing holidays just like this one. Once again, I thank you for all the assistance in making this happen.”
- Mrs.& Mr. Haridas Krishnan

If you’d like to know more about Neesa Leisure and Cambay, do check out their website - www.thecambay.com