Diwali proves a cracker for travel
The travel industry struck it rich on Diwali with more Indians travelling abroad to celebrate the festival.
By Prince Mathews Thomas, TNN |
MUMBAI: Diwali proved to be a cracker for the travel industry with 25% more Indians travelling overseas this year to celebrate the festival. Honeymoon travellers added to the rush during the festive season with travel companies trying to outdo each other in offering tour packages.
“There has always been a trend of people travelling during the festival but last two years, the numbers have been growing at 20-25%,” said a Thomas Cook spokesperson. This is much more than the 15% annual growth rate in outbound tourism in India.
Tourists are also taking advantage of the cheaper rates in the shoulder season, an industry jargon for the period between low and high seasons. “The air fares are low and hotel are rooms are still available before the winter holidaymakers start queuing up,” according to Meher Bhandara, general manager, Travel Corp of India.
Interestingly, the higher numbers might soon redefine an off season in India. Traditionally Indians plan their travel to complement the long summer/winter vacation in schools.
“However, with more and more nuclear families (read couples) opting to travel, tourism is almost becoming an all-year-round affair. Though the period may be just a week (like during Diwali), travel is more frequent now,” said an industry analyst.
Another reason for increasing numbers is the wedding season that also starts from this time of the year. More newly-married couples are opting to spend their honeymoon abroad.
“This year, there has been a tremendous interest in this segment. Our stall at a wedding exhibition was mobbed and we received 300 queries in three days. A similar initiative two years ago hardly got any response,” added Ms Bhandara.
Little wonder then, that traditional hotspots are giving way to newer ones. “Though South-East Asia remains one of the favourites, Egypt has emerged as a popular destination for the Diwali holidayers. Dubai is almost off the map due to increasing hotel rentals,” says KS Anand, director, contracting, Cox & Kings. Australia and Mauritius are the other all-season favourites.
Adds Sunil Gupta, chief operating officer, SOTC, “Though Europe is mostly a summer destination, we have been getting queries from Indian tourists on packages for Switzerland, London and other European cities. The shopping season during Christmas and the New Year is also becoming a draw for a number of Indians too.”
“There has always been a trend of people travelling during the festival but last two years, the numbers have been growing at 20-25%,” said a Thomas Cook spokesperson. This is much more than the 15% annual growth rate in outbound tourism in India.
Tourists are also taking advantage of the cheaper rates in the shoulder season, an industry jargon for the period between low and high seasons. “The air fares are low and hotel are rooms are still available before the winter holidaymakers start queuing up,” according to Meher Bhandara, general manager, Travel Corp of India.
Interestingly, the higher numbers might soon redefine an off season in India. Traditionally Indians plan their travel to complement the long summer/winter vacation in schools.
“However, with more and more nuclear families (read couples) opting to travel, tourism is almost becoming an all-year-round affair. Though the period may be just a week (like during Diwali), travel is more frequent now,” said an industry analyst.
Another reason for increasing numbers is the wedding season that also starts from this time of the year. More newly-married couples are opting to spend their honeymoon abroad.
ADVERTISEMENT
“This year, there has been a tremendous interest in this segment. Our stall at a wedding exhibition was mobbed and we received 300 queries in three days. A similar initiative two years ago hardly got any response,” added Ms Bhandara.
Little wonder then, that traditional hotspots are giving way to newer ones. “Though South-East Asia remains one of the favourites, Egypt has emerged as a popular destination for the Diwali holidayers. Dubai is almost off the map due to increasing hotel rentals,” says KS Anand, director, contracting, Cox & Kings. Australia and Mauritius are the other all-season favourites.
Adds Sunil Gupta, chief operating officer, SOTC, “Though Europe is mostly a summer destination, we have been getting queries from Indian tourists on packages for Switzerland, London and other European cities. The shopping season during Christmas and the New Year is also becoming a draw for a number of Indians too.”
Start a SIP with as low as ₹500 with ET Money App!
Download
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
ADVERTISEMENT
