Hit by the economic downturn, the Karnataka Tourism Corporation that runs the luxury Golden Chariot train is now eyeing domestic travellers for the royal odyssey at a hefty tariff of Rs 1.25 lakh.
The passenger train, under an ambitious project of Karnataka Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC), had chugged off amidst much fanfare last year, reporting 37 per cent passenger occupancy.
“We are going on an aggressive market strategy to capitalise on the domestic market, given the downturn”, Anand Menon, project director, Golden Chariot, told PTI today. “While we have already tied-up with HDFC bank to offer loans spread over six to eight EMIs at zero per cent interest to those who wish to travel by this luxury train, we are also in talks with Jet Airways for a complete package for Karnataka tourists”, he said.
HDFC bank has also started an e-mail campaign on the Golden Chariot for its corporates, Menon said. “We are interested in tapping the domestic traveller not only because he understands the subtle nuances of tourism but also has the financial capacity to undertake a Royal Odyssey”, he said.
Golden Chariot, which has a tariff of Rs 1.25 lakh per person for 7 nights/8 days, is now targeting “close to 50 per cent occupancy this year”, Menon said.
