The Hindu : Karnataka News : ‘Golden Chariot has to be aggressively marketed’

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Friday, Mar 14, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka

‘Golden Chariot has to be aggressively marketed’

Staff Correspondent

Prakash Padukone

ON BOARD THE GOLDEN CHARIOT: Can the Golden Chariot, the State’s luxury train, replicate the success of Rajasthan’s Palace on Wheels?

It has potential to cast its magic on the high-end tourists, mostly from abroad, feels badminton ace Prakash Padukone, the lone celebrity on board the train.

“Marketing is the key for its success. The train has to be aggressively marketed abroad to attract tourists in big numbers. It is a matter of time and I am sure the train will be another success story in the country’s luxury train segment,” says Mr. Padukone, who is travelling on an invitation from Karnataka Tourism.

Known as the “gentle tiger” on court, the former world champion says the luxury train concept is good since the State is one of the country’s preferred tourist destinations and the Golden Chariot circuit is very impressive.

“It is my first journey on a luxury train. I am really impressed with the Golden Chariot’s luxury and ambience. The interiors and design of the coaches are amazing. It is truly out of the world,” Mr. Padukone, from whom the Department of Tourism is expecting a feedback on the new initiative, said.

It is great to get five-star comforts on a train. Individual cabins will surely draw a lot of foreigners.

The initiative will have spin-off effect with the circuit becoming popular for other segment of travellers, Mr. Padukone said.

“Karnataka has been aggressively promoting tourism since the last five years. Tourists are coming in big numbers. In my view, people must travel once on the Golden Chariot to get a first-hand experience of the luxury on wheels and State’s best tourist circuit,” he wraps up.

Mr. Padukone, who had agreed to travel till Hassan on the train, returned to Bangalore.

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