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Tag: Mohit Joshi

  • Muthoot FinCorp launches Book My Gold Loan campaign with Shah Rukh Khan

    Muthoot FinCorp launches Book My Gold Loan campaign with Shah Rukh Khan

    Mumbai: Muthoot FinCorp Ltd (MFL), the flagship company of the 137-year-old Muthoot Pappachan Group (Muthoot Blue), has launched its ‘Book My Gold Loan’ campaign featuring Shah Rukh Khan. This groundbreaking campaign introduces a first-of-its-kind service in India: book a Gold Loan instantly, anytime, from anywhere. The newly launched feature allows customers to initiate loans with a simple missed call, integrating advanced technology with exceptional customer service.

    This unique service makes Gold Loans more accessible and convenient for consumers and is powered by the robust phygital presence of Muthoot FinCorp across the country with 3700+ branches and Gold Loan from Home in 50+ cities.  

    Muthoot FinCorp Ltd CEO Shaji Varghese said, “Through our campaign, we aim to transform financial accessibility for every Indian. Partnering with Shah Rukh Khan, the ‘Book My Gold Loan’ campaign represents a major leap for us. With the ‘Book My Gold Loan’ service we aim to make life easier for all our consumers with gold loans that can be taken at any of our branches or from their homes. Our loans empower our customers to fulfil their aspirations daily.”

    Muthoot FinCorp’s ‘Book My Gold Loan’ campaign has been conceptualized and created by Havas Worldwide India (creative) and executed by Havas Media India (media) and features a captivating television commercial (TVC) starring Shah Rukh Khan.  The TVC whisks viewers through a sequence of aspirations – starting businesses, studying abroad, and buying a new car. As each scene unfolds, Shah Rukh Khan subtly incorporates the ‘call me’ gesture, hinting at a simple solution.  In the end, Khan reveals the answer behind his ‘call me’ gesture – Muthoot FinCorp’s ‘Book My Gold Loan’ service. This first-in-India service makes getting a Gold Loan as easy as a missed call to 80869 80869 to turn your dreams into reality.  Additionally, Muthoot FinCorp has also released a musical video promoting the new initiative with SRK.

    Havas Worldwide India, joint MD & chief creative officer Anupama Ramaswamy said, “We came up with a signature gesture for our unique feature of Book Your Gold Loan with a missed call and got Shah Rukh Khan to tell the world about it. And as always, he gave it a unique twist.”

    Havas Media Network CEO Mohit Joshi said, “We are excited to be part of this campaign with Muthoot FinCorp and their newest brand ambassador Shah Rukh Khan. Muthoot FinCorp’s constant innovation to make financial access easier for people is commendable and we are sure the multilingual campaign will meaningfully connect with the larger audience across the country.”

    This campaign will be broadcast in Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, and Gujarati. It will encompass OOH, digital platforms, television, print, and on-ground activations, ensuring a widespread reach and pan-India impact.

    Muthoot FinCorp recently achieved record-breaking consolidated loan disbursements in FY24, at Rs. 61,703.26 crore. With the launch of ‘Book My Gold Loan,’ the company is poised to make a significant leap forward in simplifying the lending landscape.  

    The campaign promises to resonate deeply with audiences of all demographics, paving the way for a more accessible and convenient lending experience.

  • Nishant Patil and Bodhisattwa Banerjee clinch winning prizes at Advertising Rocks

    Nishant Patil and Bodhisattwa Banerjee clinch winning prizes at Advertising Rocks

    Mumbai: The second edition of Advertising Rocks, an initiative designed to encourage India’s Advertising, Media, and Marketing professionals to display their musical skills and abilities, kicked off on Day 2 of Goafest 2024. Through Advertising Rocks, individual singers have been encouraged to submit their entries and obtain the chance to entertain audiences at Goafest 2024, South Asia’s largest advertising festival.

    The participants gave stellar performances, enthralling the audiences. The winners were chosen on the basis of jury decision and live audience voting. The winners are as follow:

    Advertising Rocks – Winner – Solo Indian – Nishant Patil from Logicserve Digital Pvt. Ltd.

    Advertising Rocks – Winner – Solo International – Bodhisattwa Banerjee from VML India

    “Our heartiest congratulations to the winners and all the participants. This has been a wonderful platform to showcase the musical talent in our industry. I hope we can make it even bigger next year!” said former BBH CEO and curator of Advertising Rocks Subhash Kamath.

    Havas Media Network India CEO and Goafest 2024 Co-chair Mohit Joshi said, “Advertising Rocks was a big hit this year at Goafest, and the talent demonstrated by all participants has truly impressed us. My sincere congratulations to all winners, and I hope to see more talented performers next year.”

    At Advertising Rocks, four shortlisted performers from each of the two solo categories – Indian and International – showcased their musical talent in front of the esteemed judges: Harshdeep Kaur, Bollywood playback singer; Rajeev Raja, Founder & Soundsmith at Brandmusiq; and Merlin D’Souza, Founding Partner & Principal Composer at Brandmusiq and Music Director. The winners of both categories received cash prizes of Rs 50,000, while the runners-up were awarded with a cash prize of Rs 25,000. All entries were reviewed by Rajeev Raja, Merlin D’Souza, and Subhash Kamath.

  • Harshdeep Kaur to judge Advertising Rocks’ at Goafest 2024

    Harshdeep Kaur to judge Advertising Rocks’ at Goafest 2024

    Mumbai: Goafest’s ‘Advertising Rocks,’ provides India’s advertising and media fraternity with a platform unlike any other. Offering  participants the opportunity to showcase their musical talent, Goafest’s Advertising Rocks is currently in its second season. Raising the bar higher, Goafest 2024 now welcomes Bollywood playback singer Harshdeep Kaur as a judge. Additionally joining Harshdeep will be Brandmusiq founder & soundsmith Rajeev Raja, and music director and Brandmusiq founding partner & principal composer Merlin D’Souza. Nominations for Advertising Rocks can be submitted until Sunday, 19 May 2024.

    Goafest 2024 invites participants to submit their nominations in two categories: Indian soloists and international soloists. Entries received will be shortlisted by Rajeev Raja, Merlin D’Souza, and BBH former CEO and curator Subhash Kamath, ‘Advertising Rocks’. Finalists will be presented with an opportunity to perform for Goafest 2024 attendees in Mumbai and winners will take home prizes up to Rs. 50,000.

    “The Indian advertising and media industry is teeming with talent”, said BBH former CEO and curator of Advertising Rocks Subhash Kamath. “It’s always inspiring for our industry youngsters to perform in front of professionals. Last year we had Papon as one of the judges and this year we have Harshdeep Kaur, who’s a fabulous singer.”

    “Music transcends language, culture, and genre; it’s a universal emotion and given my passion for music, it is an integral part of my life,” said Havas Media Network India CEO and Goafest 2024 co-chair Mohit Joshi. “We were greatly impressed by the talent showcased last year and are incredibly excited to see this year’s performances. Goafest is truly a celebration of creativity, and we are committed to evolving it with new and exciting concepts every year. We encourage all eligible performers to participate and make the most of this wonderful platform to showcase their talent to the industry,” he added.

    Submit your entries for Advertising Rocks here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdUKKIsShHz6YwEc71ap_9-wbK1sIavU2lkShgd9-HBhq0row/viewform

    Presented by The Advertising Agencies Association of India and The Advertising Club, Goafest 2024 is scheduled to take place on 29, 30 and 31 May, 2024 at The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake, Mumbai.

  • Havas Media Network India elevates Uday Mohan and R. Venkatasubramanian as COO

    Havas Media Network India elevates Uday Mohan and R. Venkatasubramanian as COO

    Mumbai: Havas Media Network India, the specialised media division of Havas India has announced the elevation of two of its senior leaders to significant roles within the organisation. While Uday Mohan steps into the position of chief operating officer of Havas Media India, R. Venkatasubramanian assumes the role of chief operating officer of Havas Play. They will continue reporting to Havas Media Network India CEO Mohit Joshi.

    In his new role as chief operating officer, Uday Mohan will spearhead the comprehensive operations and strategic growth initiatives of Havas Media India. With more than two decades of expertise in the media industry, Uday has been instrumental in driving the success of Havas Media India over a span of 16 plus years in the agency. His adept leadership has led to the acquisition of several prestigious clients and garnered acclaim for the agency’s innovation across sectors.

    R. Venkatasubramanian took charge of Havas Play last year when the specialised function was launched in India along with several other countries globally. Under his guidance, Havas Play has championed numerous successful IPs and initiatives across its Sports, Content, and Entertainment divisions, solidifying its position as a leading player in a highly competitive landscape.

    Commenting on the elevations, Havas India, South East Asia and North Asia (Japan and South Korea) group CEO Rana Barua said, “Uday and Venkat’s elevations come at an important juncture for Havas Media Network India, as the agency experiences remarkable growth. Their strategic prowess and dedication have been instrumental in driving our agency’s success over the years and their elevation reflects our confidence in their vision and ability to continue fostering innovation, collaboration, and client satisfaction. I wish them all the best.”

    Havas Media Network India CEO Mohit Joshi said, “With Uday and Venkat at the helm of their respective business divisions, Havas Media Network India has made significant strides, evident in the agency’s expanded client portfolio, new acquisitions, and strategic partnerships. This elevation underscores our unwavering dedication to fortifying our organizational framework by nurturing our in-house capabilities. Leaders like them are key to our goal of making media meaningful for our clients and the industry at large as their exceptional industry acumen is pivotal in leading a team as diverse as ours. I extend my sincerest congratulations to Uday and Venkat on their new roles and look forward to our continued trajectory of growth and success together.”

  • Advertising Rocks to electrify Goafest 2024

    Advertising Rocks to electrify Goafest 2024

    Mumbai: Following the success of its inaugural edition, Goafest 2024 is set to bring back ‘Advertising Rocks’, an initiative that offers a unique platform for India’s advertising, media, and marketing community to showcase their musical talents. Embracing the spirit of collaboration and innovation, the organising committee invites solo performers to submit their entries. Selected participants will have the exclusive opportunity to captivate audiences at Goafest 2024, solidifying their presence at South Asia’s premier and largest creative festival.

    With two solo categories – Indian and International – Advertising Rocks 2024 promises a global showcase of musical talent. Four shortlists from each category will have the esteemed opportunity to perform for a distinguished jury and delegates at Goafest in Mumbai.  The ultimate champions will be determined through a combination of jury evaluation and live voting by Goafest attendees, ensuring a fair and thrilling competition.

    Winners in each category will be awarded a cash prize of Rs 50,000, while the first runners-up will receive Rs 25,000.

    On ‘Advertising Rocks’, Havas Media Network India CEO and Goafest 2024’s co-chair Mohit Joshi said, “Advertising Rocks is back with another exciting edition at Goafest 2024 to celebrate the musical talents of our fraternity. As a fellow music enthusiast, I can’t wait to witness the exceptional performances this year. Looking forward to this unforgettable showcase of talent.”

    Former BBH CEO and curator of ‘Advertising Rocks’ Subhash Kamath, further added, “Advertising Rocks was a big hit at Goafest last year and we’re hoping we’ll have a lot more participation in 2024. There’s so much musical talent in our industry. They deserve a platform to perform and Goafest is the perfect place for it.”

    The deadline for submitting entries for Advertising Rocks is May 15, 2024. Entries by solo performers only belonging to the Advertising, Media, and Marketing fraternity will be considered.

    Submit your entries for Advertising Rocks here.

    Presented by The Advertising Agencies Association of India and The Advertising Club, Goafest 2024 is scheduled to take place on 29, 30 and 31 May 2024 at The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake, Mumbai.

  • Skyscanner’s launches ‘Everywhere Agency’ campaign connecting travellers with experts

    Skyscanner’s launches ‘Everywhere Agency’ campaign connecting travellers with experts

    Mumbai: As travellers start to think about their travels for the new year, global travel marketplace, Skyscanner has launched its latest campaign, ‘Everywhere Agency’, connecting travellers with record-holding travellers who have visited every country across the globe.

    According to data from Skyscanner, Indians’ passion for global exploration has reached unprecedented heights in 2024, with mounting early interest in travel indicated in its data. In the last week of 2023, the search volume for overseas travel by Indian travellers increased by 39 per cent compared to the same period last year. Looking ahead into 2024, a remarkable 98 per cent of Indian travellers are keen to try somewhere new while 42 per cent share that one of their biggest struggles when booking travel is deciding where to go. In a survey conducted by Skyscanner, it is revealed that despite social media, TV, and film perpetuating conventional tourist spots, 95 per cent feel fatigued by those repeated choices. 79 per cent of Indian travellers admit that the prospect of booking travel in 2024 is overwhelming, with 40 per cent citing cost concerns and an equal percentage grappling with destination decisions.

    To help alleviate Indians’ travel anxiety, the Everywhere Agency is a campaign that connects record-holding travellers with consumers worldwide, offering travel advice based on their own experience. These well-travelled experts are known as Everywhere Agents, who are set to ease traditional traveller anxiety about unknown destinations, and help travellers discover the less-travelled places, without compromising on value. Travellers can explore tips offered by the Everywhere Agents through the Everywhere Guide, or via 1:1 exclusive virtual appointments. This campaign is powered by Skyscanner’s ‘Everywhere’ search, the travel hack that helps travellers explore destinations, ordered by price, from thousands of travel sites – all in one place. The ‘Everywhere’ search is the most searched destination for Indian travellers currently, highlighting the desire to explore regardless of the location of origin. Other popular destinations for Indians are Dubai, Bangkok, London, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore.

    Travellers can also easily access the Everywhere Guide, an online widget on Skyscanner, that shares responses to frequently asked travel questions, based on each Everywhere Agent’s personal experience. Questions include “Where’s the most memorable night out?”, “Where should everyone try a once-in-a-lifetime activity?”, and more. The Everywhere Guide also displays a Trip Snapshot for every suggested destination, showing the lowest flight and hotel prices, and the cheapest day to travel, for any selected month of 2024. These link out to corresponding search parameters on Skyscanner, allowing travellers to conveniently complete trip bookings for their newly discovered destination.

    Skyscanner

    With India being a diverse market with a large variety of travel preferences, Skyscanner has appointed renowned travel personality, Anunay Sood, as the Everywhere Agent for India. Known for exploring 30 countries by the age of 30, Anunay captivates audiences with his inspiring travel adventures, travel tips, encouraging them to uncover the world’s breath-taking wonders. Other Everywhere Agents include individuals like Gunnar Garfors, the first to visit every country in the world twice; Renee Burns, a world record holder for traveling to the most countries in a year in a wheelchair.

    Skyscanner’s appointed Everywhere Agent, Anunay Sood said, “I used to be in a full-time corporate job to finance my travel adventures. My fascination with travel photography and exploration ignited my desire to become a dedicated globetrotter. After exploring over 30 countries, I’ve gained insights into what travellers really love. As someone who’s passionate about adventures, through my extensive travels, I’ve tailored tonnes of handy travel tips – whether it’s picking the right destination, navigating the complexities of budgeting or planning the perfect itinerary. Having been there myself, I also understand the specific needs of younger professionals who are working corporate jobs and dreaming of exciting getaways. Along with Skyscanner, I look forward to helping travellers find the best views, food, experiences and more as they plan their upcoming trips.”

    Skyscanner’s travel trends and destination expert Mohit Joshi said, ‘’The Everywhere Agency is not just about offering alternatives; it’s about inspiring a shift in perspective. Through exclusive 1:1 sessions with record-breaking travellers and recommendations that go beyond the ordinary on the Everywhere Guide, we hope to empower and equip travellers with the tools needed to discover and enjoy destinations that they didn’t even know they desired.’’

    Feeling inspired? You can sign up for a 1:1 Everywhere Appointment here. 
     

  • Ganga Kinare Music Festival to telecast on Zee News

    Ganga Kinare Music Festival to telecast on Zee News

    Mumbai: Gear up for a night of cultural euphoria on 30 December at 10 pm, when Zee News illuminates screens with the radiant Ganga Kinare Music Festival, promising a symphony of enchantment!

    Varanasi recently witnessed the grandeur of the Ganga Kinare Music Festival, a collaborative masterpiece orchestrated by Zee Media and Havas Play presented by Aditya Birla Hindalco. Led by Padma Shri Kailash Kher and Pratibha Singh Baghel, this dynamic duo transcended mere entertainment, creating a fusion of cultural magnificence. Aligned with the ‘Namami Gange Programme’ endorsed by the United Nations, the festival fostered a vibrant community of river enthusiasts and contributed to the broader mission of environmental conservation.

    Beyond mere entertainment, this cultural extravaganza is a heartfelt celebration of Varanasi’s spirit and a collective pledge to safeguard the sanctity of the holy river Ganga. The event honoured individuals, including classical singer Padma Vibhushan Pandit Channu Lal Mishra, Dr Kulpati Tiwari, mahant of Kashi Vishwanath temple, Vishambhar Nath Mishra, Mahant of Sankat Mochan Mandir, and Padma Shri awardee Rajeshwar Acharya. The celebration of the legacy of Indian classical music extended to the felicitation of Nasir Abbas Bismillah Khan, the grandson of the legendary Bismillah Khan to honouring excellence across diverse realms.

    The stellar line-up of attendees also featured luminaries such as Swatantra Dev Singh, Jal Shakti minister, UP govt., Anupriya Patel, minister of state for commerce and industry, GoI, Rajshree Birla, Sourabh Raaj Jain, and more, promising showcase.

    Zee Media Corporation Limited CEO Abhay Ojha expressed his enthusiasm, said, “The Ganga Kinare Music Festival is not merely a melody; it resonates as a testament to our commitment to cultural heritage and environmental guardianship. Zee News stands proudly as the telecast partner for this transformative event, bringing more than just a broadcast to your screens. The festival is a curated experience, an intricate portrayal of Varanasi’s essence, and a pledge to Ganga conservation.”

    Zee Media Corporation Limited CRO Mona Jain said, “As an esteemed telecast partner for the Ganga Kinare Music Festival, our enthusiasm is coupled with strategic commitment as we unfold a cultural spectacle intricately aligned with our dynamic revenue growth strategy. Through skillful utilization and programming of the festival’s cultural richness and broad audience appeal, our objective is to forge inventive pathways for advertisers, sponsors, and partners, creating a platform that not only entertains but also serves as a fertile ground for mutually beneficial collaborations.”

    Havas Media Network India CEO Mohit Joshi emphasised, “Havas Play takes pride in curating a unique experience with the Ganga Kinare Music Festival. This festival isn’t confined to a physical location; it’s a journey that brings cultural magnificence and environmental consciousness to screens worldwide. Through our collaboration, we aspire to create not just content but a meaningful narrative that reflects the festival’s essence—a seamless blend of tradition with technology and fostering constructive engagement towards our environment which creates a lasting impact on the audience.”

    The grand telecast of Ganga Kinare Music Festival promises to deliver an evening of visual and auditory delight, blending cultural richness, soul-stirring performances, and a profound commitment to the conservation of the Holy River Ganga.

    This festival received substantial support, with the Uttar Pradesh government as the state partner Himgange, V-Guard, Royale Touche and Sujata as special partners, PISM (partner) and co-powered by AU Small Finance Bank. Additional support was received in association with Namami Gange, Kailasa Entertainment Private Limited, Rungta Steel TMT Bar, Meghdoot Ayurvedic, PMCH Health Advisors, Radio City as the Radio partner and AMC Media as outdoor partner.

    Event will be broadcast on 30 December at 10 pm, exclusively on Zee News.

  • Prasanth Kumar re-elected president of AAAI

    Prasanth Kumar re-elected president of AAAI

    Mumbai: Group M Media (India) Pvt Ltd South Asia Prasanth Kumar, was re-elected as President of the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) for the year 2023-24 at the Annual General Meeting  of AAAI held on 1 December.  

    Havas Worldwide India CEO Rana Barua was unanimously elected vice-president of the association.

    Other elected members of the Board in alphabetical order are:

    Sam Balsara (Madison Communications Pvt Ltd) 
    Tanya Goyal (Everest Brand Solutions Pvt Ltd) 
    Vishandas Hardasani (Matrix Publicities and Media India Pvt Ltd) 
    Mohit Joshi (Havas Media India Pvt Ltd) 
    Kunal Lalani (Crayons Advertising Ltd) 
    Chandramouli Muthu (Maitri Advertising Works Pvt Ltd) 
    Sridhar Ramasubramanian (Beehive Communications Pvt Ltd) 
    Vikram Sakhuja (Platinum Advertising Pvt Ltd) 
    K Srinivas (Sloka Advertising Pvt Ltd)

    Publicis Group South Asia chief executive Anupriya Acharya will be the ex-officio member of the  AAAI Board for 2023-24 as AAAI’s immediate past president.

    On this occasion, Kumar said, “I am deeply grateful to the members of the AAAI for re electing me as President, a role I accept with great honor and responsibility. Our collective vision is to  strengthen an inclusive environment, actively engaging with all stakeholders to shape a dynamic and  future-ready organization. Our commitment is steadfast in strengthening unwavering support for  every member, recognizing that while we have achieved few milestones together, there is still a  considerable journey ahead. This prospect excites us; it fuels our motivation. When we collaborate and  exert our combined efforts, we not only enhance each year for everyone involved but also solidify our  resolve to be architects of change within our industry. We stand dedicated to not just witnessing but  actively creating a transformative era, steering our organization towards new horizons of innovation  and impact.”

    On his appointment as vice president, Barua said, “I am passionate about policymaking  that leads to impactful and positive changes to the advertising industry, that benefit all the  stakeholders, including, media, consumers, and advertising agencies. I believe in the potential of  advertising to foster economic development and enhance meaningful social changes. I look forward  to collaborating with the AAAI members to bring these shared goals to life.” 

  • Indian travellers drawn to Movie and TV locations: Skyscanner Survey

    Indian travellers drawn to Movie and TV locations: Skyscanner Survey

    Mumbai: Whether it’s gig tripping or visiting the realm of sleep, global travel site Skyscanner shares the latest trends shaping industry and traveller behaviour in its “Travel Trends: Redefining value through experience in 2024” report.  Blending proprietary flights and hotel data based on millions of searches with an annual consumer behaviour study and expert commentary, today Skyscanner reveals 2024’s hottest travel vibes and types, as well as the top 10 trending destinations and best-value destinations.  

    Data from the report reveals that film and entertainment have a significant influence on Indian travellers, with 94 per cent of them inclined to take a trip to a destination they’ve seen on the big or small screen. Moreover, close to half (43 per cent) of the respondents rate the overall ‘vibe’ of a destination as important, when choosing where to go in 2024.

    Among the four key travel vibes, set-jetting took the lead in India, as travellers sought to immerse themselves into the iconic location of their favourite shows, embodying Main Character Energy. Seizing the spotlight as the top destination that Indians are inspired to visit in 2024 is Manali, India, with travellers influenced by Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, followed by Ladakh, again in India, which inspires 47% of the travellers to visit the mesmerising city as seen in 3 Idiots. Claiming the next spot is London in the United Kingdom, with 43 per cent of Indian travellers seeking to add a royal flair to their life as seen in The Crown, and the enchanting city of Paris in France, with 42 per cent of Indian travellers wanting to experience the city like Emily Cooper, as seen in Emily in Paris. In fact, following the launch of season 3’s launch at the end of December 2022, Skyscanner saw a 23 per cent increase in searches from India to Paris in January compared to the previous month.

    Just like Main Character Energy, Skyscanner data shows how the value of experiences is fuelling a range of other travel trends and vibes for 2024, with price no longer solely ruling decision-making:

     . Gig tripping – One-third of Indian (37 per cent) travellers would fly short haul to see their favourite artist live with a huge 79 per cent considering attending a concert overseas instead in 2024 if it would help them save money.

      . Budget bougie foodies – Indians are inherent foodies and Skyscanner’s research confirms the same, with 59% of Indian travellers having booked a destination purely based on a restaurant they want to visit. Osaka, renowned as ‘the kitchen of Japan’ with the fourth rank in the world for cities with the most Michelin stars, claims the top spot on Skyscanner’s global list for foodies on a budget in 2024 and is also one of the top trending destinations amongst Indian travellers.

      . Destination Zzzz – Citing it as one of the top activities for their next holiday, Indian travellers just want to visit the realm of sleep in 2024. Sleep health generally is a hot topic and 85 per cent of Indian travellers are more mindful of their sleep health today compared to a few years ago. Moreover, 66 per cent of Indian travellers have reported experiencing improved sleep quality during their holidays.

    What’s more, with the thirst for experiences that drive greater lifestyle value, Skyscanner sees these traveller types emerging in 2024:  

      . Analogue adventurers – In an age of always-on and constant hype, Gen Z are craving old-school analogue adventures that ditch the digital device in favour of how it used to be done. One in four (24 per cent) Indian travellers aged 18 to 24 years old now bring a Polaroid camera with them on holiday.

     . Celebration vacationers – Indian travellers increasingly want to celebrate big milestones in style. 81 per cent of Indian travellers have taken a group trip to celebrate a birthday or anniversary. That being said, it can be tricky to arrange group travel – from deciding on where and when to go, to agreeing on costs. 52 per cent of Indian travellers said that finalising a destination is their primary hurdle when planning group trips, followed by deciding on the travel dates (48 per cent) and agreeing on the expected costs of the trip (45 per cent).

     . Luxe-for-less seekers – While the price may always be a factor when it comes to travel planning, it seems Indian travellers are still willing to splurge on comforts. 37 per cent of Indian travellers plan to upgrade their flight to business or first class in 2024, while 44 per cent plan to purchase airport lounge access to get their trip off to a great start.  

    India’s Top Trending and Best Value Destinations

    The 2024 report reveals that 86 per cent of Indian travellers plan to take the same number, if not more, trips abroad in 2024 compared to 2023. The most buzzing destinations for Indian travellers in 2024 are Da Nang in Vietnam, loved for its pristine beaches, Almaty in Kazakhstan, a captivating destination in Central Asia celebrated for its stunning natural scenes, and Baku in Azerbaijan, known for its exquisite blend of historical and modern architecture. On the other hand, Nice in France came out top overall, securing the highest spot for the Best Value Destinations category, followed by Geneva in Switzerland, Tokyo in Japan, and Manama in Bahrain (full overview in appendix).

    Commenting on the findings, Skyscanner travel trends and destination expert Mohit Joshi said, “The desire to explore and to make the best out of holidays with richer, more fulfilling experiences is evident among Indian travellers, as they (63 per cent) are budgeting to spend more on travel in 2024. The strong demand for travel in India, coupled with the focus on cultural exploration next year, are reasons why a travel metasearch like Skyscanner can bring value to Indian travellers. Try the ‘Explore Everywhere’ search feature, for example, to discover destinations ranked by prices. With our tools, travellers will realise that there are many ways to bag a bargain so that allowances can be made to spend on the comfort they are after.”

  • Havas Play announces strategic partnership with sports marketing agency, Gameplan Sports

    Havas Play announces strategic partnership with sports marketing agency, Gameplan Sports

    Mumbai: Havas Play, the sports, entertainment, and content agency of Havas Media Network India, has entered a strategic partnership with one of the oldest sports marketing companies in the country, Gameplan Sports Pvt. Ltd, which aims to bring together the expertise and capabilities of both agencies.

    The partnership will entail managing athletes, major sports league in cricket, football, badminton, kabaddi, tennis, table tennis, golf, marathons, chess, and others. It will also include sports events like tournaments, competitions, exhibitions, matches, displays and more. The alliance will also include sports media services like media consulting, strategy, execution, sponsorship, and creating Ips in the space of content and entertainment.

    Talking about the new venture, Havas India group CEO Rana Barua said, “At Havas India we place our clients at the heart of our growth journey. Our ecosystem is built and tailored to meet their business needs and to empower them. Earlier this year, Havas launched a new global agency Havas Play – uniting sports, content, culture, and entertainment expertise under one agency. In India, the booming sports sector, which goes much beyond cricket, has become increasingly crucial for brands and marketers and is quite under leveraged. Havas Play along with Gameplan will help brands explore the vast potential of this untapped market. This makes us a formidable player creating distinctive and impactful opportunities for brands and businesses.”

    Gameplan Sports Pvt Ltd director Jeet Banerjee and Havas Media India president – investments and Havas Play MD R Venkatsubramanian will collaborate to construct and build this strategic alliance and jointly pursue this new venture.

    Havas Media Network India CEO Mohit Joshi said, “The Indian sports sector is currently thriving with a surge in interest and funding, reflected in double-digit growth and an increased sports budget this fiscal. This underscores the growing opportunities which are lying untapped. With Havas Play and Gameplan coming together, brands and marketers can explore their unique capability to leverage this burgeoning market. This alliance further strengthens our meaningful media capability to provide tailored business solutions to our clients, through sports properties and unique Ips.”

    Banerjee said, “Gameplan is one of the oldest sports marketing companies in the country. We turn 25 this year and have left our footprint across several verticals in the sports industry. Our legacy spans across numerous sectors within the sports industry, catalysing innovations that have since become industry standards, from revolutionary 3D signage to transforming chess into a riveting spectator experience. Beyond sports, we’ve ventured into literature, cinema, and the arts over the past decade, notably shaping the cultural landscape with the Kolkata Literary Meet, a cornerstone event on India’s cultural calendar. We take pride in our agility, innovation, and boundless imagination. In collaboration with Havas Play, we embark on an exciting journey, leveraging their extensive activities and cross-market exposure. Together, we aim to elevate our existing intellectual properties and forge powerful new ventures in sports and beyond.”