Food, Facts And Fun With Indus Holidays

with Martha Chapman

All that was missing was Alex Trebek as an enthusiastic group of Toronto-area agents played an Asian-centric version of Jeopardy at Indus Travels’ recent dinner and presentation.

The group had the chance to learn first hand from Tourist Board reps from Korea, Malaysia and India as they each gave detailed presentations on their destinations. A lot of info was delivered in a timely manner – and it was clear that the audience was paying attention as each table vied as a team for lovely gifts from the Boards.

Interesting factoids gleaned during the evening:

• Korea is an ideal stopover en route to Asia, according to Randy Snape of Korea Tourism. “It’s affordable, you can nip into the city for a quick tour, and there are free English language interpreter phones in cabs.” Oh, and for clients staying longer, did you know you can book them into a Buddhist temple?
  
   
• The Taj Mahal looks different depending on the time of day you visit it and the weather that day. “I have seen it 100 times but again I want to see it,” said Sushil Kumar Singh of Incredible India.
  
   
• Malaysia is “affordable luxury” with 5-star hotels as inexpensive as $100/night...and for those who want to get a little wet and/or muddy, you can swim with the elephants in an elephant rehabilitation refuge or get down-and-muddy at the mud baths on the original Survivor Island.
  
   
• Indus features holidays to all of these destinations with, according to Harish Shroff, 14 day durations most popular with Canadians. Their typical client is 45-55 years of age, well-travelled and looking something “different”. What might fit the bill? Their WOW (Women Only Worldwide) tours, currently to India (with more countries to come): maximum 16 passengers, women tour guides and volunteer opportunities included.

I’ll take Indus Tours for $100, Alex!