Bintan Resorts, August 29, 2024 – In a strategic move to expand its reach in the Indian market, Bintan Resorts has entered into a partnership with VFS Global Services Private Limited, a prominent representative for tourism services in the Indian market. This partnership was officially formalized with the signing of an agreement on August 29, 2024, at the Grand Lagoi Hotel, Bintan Resorts. The collaboration aims to enhance the visibility and appeal of Bintan Island as a premier destination for Indian travelers by focusing on marketing efforts in India.
Leveraging VFS Global’s extensive network across India, which spans both major cities and smaller towns, along with its strong connections to businesses, media, and corporate entities, this partnership is expected to significantly boost the number of Indian tourists visiting Bintan Island.
Bintan Resorts is committed to showcasing the island’s rich tourism potential—from its unique culinary offerings, tourist attractions, culture, and art, to its high-quality services and hospitality that prioritizes comfort. These aspects are expected to make Bintan Island a highly attractive destination for Indian travelers.
“We are thrilled 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 providing them with the extraordinary experiences that only Bintan Island can offer.”
The partnership will launch a targeted marketing campaign in major Indian cities, positioning Bintan as a top-tier tourist destination alongside Singapore. The campaign will feature an innovative dual-destination strategy, with a captivating tagline that highlights Bintan’s unique appeal—from exciting family vacations and adrenaline-pumping adventures to delightful culinary experiences and special events such as weddings, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), and more.
Promotional efforts will focus on digital and social media platforms, in collaboration with influencers, B2B sales, and organizing workshops and product showcases for influencers and content creators. Another key initiative will be to work closely with travel agency partners, cultivated by both parties over the years, to promote Bintan Island to their clients. By utilizing VFS Global’s extensive media network and connections, the partnership aims to significantly enhance Bintan Island’s visibility and attract a large influx of Indian tourists.
“Together, we will work towards increasing the number of Indian tourists to Bintan Island and enriching their travel experience comprehensively. Our top priority is to offer Bintan Island’s premier tourism offerings to prospective Indian travelers and educate them about the easy accessibility to the island from Singapore, whether they are traveling with family, or in large or small groups,” said G B Srithar, Head of Tourism Operations at VFS Global. He noted that the Indian market presents promising opportunities for Bintan’s tourism sector, as India was the third-largest source of visitors to Singapore in 2019, with approximately 1.4 million tourists. In 2023, the number of Indian visitors to Singapore reached 1.08 million. Hence, Bintan Resorts aims to capture the attention of a segment of these tourists who visit Singapore, encouraging them to extend their vacation to Bintan Island.
Abdul Wahab further explained that positioning Bintan Resorts as a complementary destination to Singapore, with easy access via a comfortable 60-minute ferry ride from the neighboring country, is a strategic move to attract a share of Indian visitors. This dual-destination approach is expected to appeal to travelers, as they can enjoy diverse cultural experiences, attractions, and the distinct beauty of both destinations, adding value to their overall travel experience.
The signing ceremony of this tourism agreement was witnessed by Ahdi Muqsith, Deputy Regent of Bintan Regency, and Agi Arisetyawan, Chairman of the Bintan Resorts Council. The event was also attended by various stakeholders including Guntur Sakti, Head of the Tourism Office of Riau Islands Province; Arief Sumarsono, Head of the Tourism Office of Bintan Regency; members of the Bintan Resorts Council; and other stakeholders from the travel and tourism industry, as well as the media.
