Strong appetite for India is a massive opportunity for Aviareps

Over past 31 years, Aviareps has evolved as a major marketing representation firm with presence in 65 countries, representing over 100 destinations. Thomas Drechsler, COO Tourism, Aviareps, tells India Outbound that the company is now focussed on digital transformation and continued global expansion

- VARSHA SINGH

Q How has Aviareps evolved as a tourism representation company over the decades?

The company is celebrating its 31st birthday this year. We began from Germany and then gradually developed from Germany to other European markets. We opened in India more than 15 years ago, so it was one of the earlier offices. My initial task as the International Director of Tourism was to develop tourism and back then Aviareps did not have any destination client as such. We had one small cruise client cruising the harbour of New York City and one small hotel company. My first task really was to walk around with Fred Dixon, who is now CEO and President of Brand USA, but who was back then International Director of Tourism for New York City.

We basically toured around Europe and I introduced him to the Aviareps offices in Europe. That is how New York actually started its international representation as well, because they contracted the first offices in Europe.

Today, after 21 years, we represent about, I would say, more than 100 destinations worldwide, with a strong focus on the United States. We work for many international hotel brands, for international car rental brands. We have decided to develop cruise tourism further and we are also a GSA and work for over 100 airlines worldwide.

Which product of yours is working the best for you?

The number one segment in tourism, if you want, is the destination representation. So working for international destinations like here in the USA for Visit California, Visit Florida, Brand USA, New York City, Las Vegas and so on. The second one is the hotel representation where we work for international hotels such as Marriott Hotels and then we have car rental.

Which is the easiest and the most difficult product to handle?

I think there is no easy or difficult