VW BUREAU | May 16, 2019
Trivik Hotels & Resorts in Chikmagalur has been grabbing a lot of eyeballs. Sam K Philip, the property’s General Manager, sheds light on the initiatives that need to be taken to drive more traffic to the spectacular hill station.
How does Chikamagalur fare as an emerging destination?
Chikmagalur has been known as the Land of coffee and, in fact, it is India’s first coffee producing state and is well known for its Arabica Coffee that is grown on the Ghats. Chikmagalur also has the highest peak in Karnataka called Mullayangiri, which is at an altitude of 6500 feet above the sea level. Chickmaglur and the surrounding areas are well known for its culture and heritage and have famous temples such as Belur and Halebidu. As a destination, Chikmaglur also has a forest range and also Baba Budangiri, which holds a lot of historical importance followed by waterfalls that enrich the flora and fauna of the destination. Chikmagalur has never been highlighted or promoted as a destination that holds all the above points of interest. Efforts are been made to ensure that the destination is promoted well.
Trivik has made a mark for itself as a luxury destination in its own right. How do you see the market for high-end products such as yours evolve?
Chikmagalur has seen a lot of backpackers and last-minute FITs (Frequent Individual Travelers). With the introduction of Trivik in Chikmagalur, which was launched three years ago, it has seen a lot of high-end footfall at the destination. Chikmagalur really needed a luxury brand such as Trivik to fill the spaces and requirements of the so-called AITs (All-Inclusive Travelers) who look into luxury, ambiance, and comfort. Having another high-end brand coming into the destination would definitely upgrade the destination and more footprints of the luxury segment would be seen.
What steps must be taken to promote Chikmagalur as a tourism destination? What recommendations would you offer the tourism department?
For Chikmagalur to be promoted as a tourism destination, participation in all domestic, national and international fairs is a must as it is a visible branding opportunity. The USP of the destination has to be highlighted strongly along with the maps connecting to Chikmagalur from other destinations. Public spaces such as airports, highways, and malls should have brand visibility of the destination. Chikmagalur as destination caters to photographers, trekkers, bird watchers, and enthusiastic cyclists. All these segments can be effectively tapped to ensure Chikmagalur’s effective promotion. The tourism department is taking good initiatives to promote Chikmagalur and Karnataka. It is only a matter of time before we would also be well recognized like the other destinations in the country and worldwide.
What are the expansion plans for brand Trivik? What other destinations are you looking at?
Trivik as a brand started its operations in 2016 in Chikmagalur. It was initially started off with 31 suites as pre-opening along with an F&B outlet. Now, Trivik Chikmaglur boasts about 43 suites spread out in 38 acres of coffee plantation with an infinity pool, Valley View coffee shop, Pure Bliss, the spa, Arabica, the multi-cuisine restaurant, Robasta, the bar, and Shoals, the banquet space. The property also houses a game zone, kid zone, health club and adventure zone for adults and kids. We are rated No. 1 on all the OTAs and social media platforms. Trivik has also been awarded India’s No. 2 hotel in the luxury segment through the travelers’ choice award. We are also awarded as India’s best family resort. In 2020, Trivik is also opening up at Coorg, which will be called Trivik Coorg. We are also looking into other destinations that we can attach to our brand that eventually will help sustain the brand.
How has your experience been as a General Manager of Trivik in re-living the journey from the pre-opening stage to the successful operating property?
I have been associated with the brand since 2015. Pre-opening of a brand has its own challenges and the place where Trivik is located is not a cake walk. Setting up spaces in the resort, setting up systems and policies, getting the brand into the right market space, staff recruitment and training required more effort and dedication. I had to keep myself focused, thanks to the guidance of my director Mr. KS Raju and my investors who believed in me. Looking at Trivik now makes me really proud and happy as all our efforts have slowly started to reap benefits for the brand in its road ahead.
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Source: VOYAGER'S WORLD Magazine | May 16, 2019
