Short-haul trips are selling this winter
With the summer drawing to an end, the tourism industry is gearing up for the winter holiday season. As preferences for short haul destinations grow this year, finds out some of the popular places.
DEVIKA JEET The
rupee fluctuation and increasing airline costs effected the tourism season spectrum of being cost and value conscious and they are not willing to compromise on the quality of their vacation and are not exclusively price
Tour operators in India have a push strategy i.e. offering destinations which they think are the best
conscious. They are willing to travel to traditional destinations but are enthusiastic in associating themselves with an experience or an activity that they can engage in,” says Ritika Modi, Regional President, Uniglobe Travel (South Asia).
Clubbing the holiday season with school vacation time, Daniel D’Souza, Head Sales, B2C-Tour Operating, Kuoni India, says, “Holiday season is a family affair in India and serve as an opportunity to spend quality time with family members. School vacations also make this season an ideal duration to spend time with children. Indian travellers are planning for vacations to short haul destinations such as, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong and Thailand. A substantial number of travellers are reducing the duration of their holidays and are opting for shorter vacations to destinations such as USA and Europe. Indian travellers are identifying alternatives holiday options within their budget.”
Himanshu Patil, Director, Kesari Travels, agrees with the earlier view on the increasing popularity of short haul destinations “This is the best time to visit the neighbouring countries; Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and beyond.” He stresses on the importance of air connectivity, saying, “Airlines play a major role in selecting the destination. The connectivity and airfares influence a person’s holiday plans to a great extent.”
A neighbouring destination highlighted by Amit Kalsi, Vice President – Private Travel, Abercrombie & Kent India, is Myanmar. “Myanmar is experiencing high demand and influx of tourists due to the massive political changes in the country in the past year. These positive changes have resulted in huge PR for the nation as it
It is important to note key factors before suggesting a holiday destination that include, likes, dislikes, etc.
moved to a nominally civilian government. Whilst this has been of huge benefit for the country, it has thrust the destination into the limelight and created huge demand for travel to Myanmar for both business leisure purposes.”
Destination attractions, shopping options, Indian meal availability and air connectivity are some of the factors, a travel agent considers before recommending a destination. “A large number of tour operators in India have a push strategy i.e. offering destinations which they think are the best for the spending traveller instead of pull strategy i.e. offer packages to destinations which suit the most to the liking and interest of the traveller,” says Prem Syal, Managing Director, Hi-Tours.
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He feels “Popular destinations this winter will be Australia, New Zealand, Far East and the Middle East which will continue to rule the market showing a rapid 20 per cent growth in 2012-13. Island destinations will continue to charm Indian Holidaymakers and will show a steady growth.”
Ashwin Narayanan, Chief Operating Officer, Travel Tours, also highlights the factors considered before recommending a destination, “It is important to note key factors before suggesting a holiday destination that include, likes, dislikes, type of holiday preferred,
Indian travellers are planning for short haul destinations such as, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai. etc.
duration and budget to name a few. I feel Macau as a short haul destination will be popular this winter. South Africa will be the long haul destination on demand.”