‘Motorcycle and caravan tourism picking up pace gradually’
The tourism sector has undergone a massive transition due to the pandemic and the industry is on the road to recovery. The two trends experts are predicting to catch up in the future are caravan and motorcycle tourism. M Arunachalam, founder and MD of Relax Caravan, tells us that the tourism industry has become so unpredictable after the pandemic. “With people’s mindset on travel changing, we can expect major developments in the tourism sector. Nobody imagined something like caravan tourism will get noticed in our country. Though it is a popular trend abroad, in India, people are understanding its possibilities only now,” says Arunachalam.
The entrepreneur points out that only better infrastructure can help in flourishing caravan tourism in India. “In the West, almost all petrol pumps have various facilities for caravans. There are also many service centres. But in India, we don’t have any such facilities. If we have a decent infrastructure more people will come forward to invest in this business. Touring in a caravan is a different experience — it gives you a sense of freedom and independence,” he shares.
Motorcycling as a genre has strong synergy with travelling and touring. Biking enthusiasts strongly believe that motorcycle tourism and road trips will pick up in the post Covid era. Chennai-based freelance photographer Joe Abilash is an avid rider and considers going on long road trips as the best stress-buster. “After the pandemic, there is a huge concern about travelling in public transport like trains, buses and flights. So, people will start preferring their own vehicle. There are also chances of many ditching the cars and trying to ride bikes,” says Joe.
He opines that post lockdown there will be a boom in the culture of the number of caravans and long riding trips to nearby places. “People who have long been devoid of any entertainment and leisure will develop an adventurous streak and take up self-sustaining trips, camping, trekking and bag packing as a new hobby. This will result in places that aren’t as famous or explored much before inviting more visitors, helping the local (domestic) tourism. So motorcycle riders should also keep safety and hygiene before embarking on a new trip. As many places depend only on tourists from other places, motorcycle tourists must be responsible and not risk the safety of the residents who may not have proper access to healthcare,” he adds.
GA Rajkumar, vice president of Royal Pandiyas Madurai Enfielder’s Club, says that he has seen an increase in the number of people opting for motorcycles to travel. “Unlike before, people are extra cautious about health and many are taking precautionary measures while venturing out. In the last 2-3 months, we have received a lot of queries asking whether a motorcycle is a safe mode of transport while going on tours. Even if things are back to normal, it looks like motorcycle tourism is the next big thing that can probably boost domestic tourism. In the coming months, we can expect more solo and group riders. Whenever we organise any tours, we teach our riders the need for safe and responsible travel. We are planning a trip from Madurai to Goa in November,” says Rajkumar.
If we have a decent infrastructure for caravans in India more people will come forward to invest in this business. Touring in a caravan is a different experience – it gives you a sense of freedom and independence — M Arunachalam, founder and MD of Relax Caravan