Alive Networks to enter Indian market next year

Hong Kong-based Alive Networks, the first international travel and learning company, plans to enter the Indian market in early 2001. India will play a significant role in the company's ambitious plans to capitalize on the huge potential offered by the $ 500 billion Asian travel industry.

Alive will be launching a unique integrated multimedia platform that combines cable television channels, Internet sites, mobiles products and printed travel guides to provide consumers in India with a range of comprehensive travel and learning services, products and information. These services will also be offered in other Asia Pacific countries and the Middle East.

Douglas Gautier, COO, Alive Networks, said, "Indian consumers are currently spending over $ 12 billion on personal travel and tourism. This figure is projected to rise to $ 34 billion by the end of the decade. Simultaneously, Government expenditure on investment and tourism infrastructure will increase from just under $ 7 billion to over $ 20 billion by 2010. These figures represent strong growth in terms of both supply and demand. It is our intention to fully support the continued growth of this industry and offer consumers in India a first class multimedia service which will fulfill all their travel and learning needs."

Alive will be launching an English language television channel, an Internet site, mobile device products and printed travel guides in the first quarter of 2001, followed by Chinese and Japanese language releases later in the year.

Alive will concentrate initially on building market share in the footprint of its satellite-delivered cable television channels, which will be broadcast from Australia in the south-east to Israel in the west.

Alive's television content will be delivered in two distinct but complementary streams: travel and leisure--including holidays and activity options, destinations, food, adventure, shopping, fashion & style; and learning and self-improvement--such as cooking, photography, languages, and health & fitness.

Internationally acquired content will be complemented by commissioned programs with a distinct local flavor in key markets.