Airlift has been a Challenge for Indians

Vaishali Dar Oct 26, 2017

LOCATED 1,897m atop the Sierra Nevada mountain range in the western United States on the California and Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is widely considered one of the most beautiful places in the world. This natural treasure offers the ultimate high-country experience with superb outdoor recreation and magnificent scenery throughout the year.

One of the largest alpine lake in North America, known for its crystal clear waters and majestic scenery, it’s Emerald Bay is one of the most photographed locations in the world, making it the most sought after destination to many who know about it.

“India has the 6th largest number of arrivals at the San Francisco port-of-entry (behind China, United Kingdom, Japan, Germany and South Korea). As such, we see a huge opportunity to market in Indian trade and to explore beyond the outdoors. In 2016, India was is in our top 12 markets. We expect it to enter the top 10 in 2017,” feels Lyle.

With a fairly limited budget, Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority (LTVA) focusses on marketing distribution through the travel trade partners. “These partners play an integral part in our strategy. We educate them and then place products made available for purchase by the consumer and look at some co-operative travel B2C marketing to promote and sell packages,” he adds.

But for Indian travellers airlift has been a challenge, although the distance does not seem to be an issue. As per the growth expectations from India, “We are looking for a 25 per cent increase in visitation from 2016 to 2017. We are working with MICE tour operators and travel agents to promote the destination,” he says.

In the current climate the Asian markets (India, China, Japan and South Korea) remain resilient and show the greatest potential for growth. Subsequently, the focus is on the development investment in these countries.

Lake Tahoe has been known and visited by US based Indians for many years. There is a large Indian population in the San Francisco Bay Area most likely because of the high concentration of tech jobs.

While Tahoe’s beauty is the stuff of legend and its recreational options are boundless, many feel the most impressive feature is its attractive meeting scene. “We have over 100,000-square-feet of man-made meeting space and over 20 square miles of natural meeting space. Plus, dining options that run from quaint locally-owned cafes to renowned lake view restaurants, lodging that ranges from intimate to elaborate and indoor/outdoor after-meeting activities that include top-name entertainment and double diamond ski slopes. Lake Tahoe has easy access via highways and airports making it a memorable meeting destination,” adds Lyle.

The most popular and largest convention hotels are:

Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel: Their commitment to the environment, coupled with their expertise in meeting amenities and group packages make their hotel the perfect destination for MICE groups.

Harrah’s Lake Tahoe: One of the most welcoming places around, Harrah’s Lake Tahoe has been entertaining guests in style since 1955. The 18-story hotel tower at Harrah’s features award-winning guestrooms and offers meeting planners the facilities, features, and services they expect.

Harveys Lake Tahoe: As the first gaming resort built in Lake Tahoe, Harveys continues to set the standard for personal service, incredible location, welcoming atmosphere and unsurpassed amenities that make every business function a pleasure.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe: From small meetings to large conferences their team is fully equipped and committed to transform their one-of-a-kind facilities into a unique event tailored to fit any needs.

MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa: MontBleu offers 16,000 square feet of flexible meeting and exhibit space as well as state-of-the-art sound, stage and lighting capabilities – all serviced by an experienced staff of meeting professionals.