The Hindu Business Line : GMR consortia in race to host Routes Forum

The GMR consortia-led Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL) is amongst the four shortlisted bidders for hosting the Routes Development Forum, a global meet of the aviation industry players, in Hyderabad in 2009.

China, South Korea and Mexico are the other three in the race. A final decision on the bids would be announced at the 12th Routes Development Forum scheduled to be held in Dubai during September 17-19.

Stating this, Mr Eric Cayden and Mr Andrew Rowe of Routes told newspersons that a total of 20 expressions of interest were received initially. The marketability of the destination would be one major criteria in selecting the best bid, they added.

The meet would see the congregation of over 2,000 people from the international airports, airlines and service providers. It would be a big opportunity for getting a first-hand insight into the aviation and related services industry. Simultaneously, tourism and hospitality industry would get a big boost in the host city.

As to why GMR Group preferred to project Hyderabad instead of New Delhi, where it was modernising the airport, Mr Sri Nagesh, Chief Operating Officer of GHIAL, said Hyderabad is an emerging city with international grade facilities. Also, the international airport would be ready by mid-2008 and the timing of a year into operations to host the event would be useful for the consortia.

High impact presence

To strengthen its bid the GHIAL is planning a high impact presence at the Dubai meet. It has earlier participated in the event. The consortia company made a presentation to the Routes team today. The team got a first-hand account of the facilities in Hyderabad and the preparation. The State Government, which has been a major supporter of the International Airport project at Shamshabad, would facilitate the event through its various departments offering infrastructure facilities and support, he said.

The Routes Development Forum would, after Dubai go to Stockholm (2007) and Kaula Lumpur (2008). It has been held annually for the past 11 years and was growing in importance and number of participants, they said.

In Dubai, Routes has tied up with the World Tourism Organisation. About 40 major operators in global tourism are expected to participate. This would bring synergy between the airports and tourism and hospitality sector, which in turn would translate into big business for the host country, Mr Rowe and Cayden said.