Luxury on wheels builds momentum
Luxury never comes cheap but, if a discerning traveller is willing to shell out those extra bucks, then the luxury trains in India are pulling all stops, to make their journey an unforgettable one.
PEDEN DOMA BHUTIA “Air
travel is so expensive, let’s take a train”, this is an oft-heard conversation at all homes. But then if a train ride costs ten times more than your airfare, then you know that the experience will not be forgotten in a hurry. And why not, after all the facilities on-board offer every indulgence imaginable, from spa facilities on-board right down to customised cutlery for the guests!
As Pradip Kundu, Joint General Manager-PR, IRCTC, rightly puts it, “Much of the new boom in luxury trains has come in Asia. When it comes to luxury rail tours, India leads the way with as many as 6 luxury trains offering unique cultural experiences across destinations in India. India’s rise in the industry was acknowledged during the World Travel Award Ceremony 2012 in Qatar where India was voted as ‘World’s Leading Travel Destination’. So, this indeed is an exciting time for the luxury travel segment in India. The luxury trains in India mainly target Europe… particularly UK, USA, Japan, West Asia and South-East Asia as potential market.”
Exciting is definitely the keyword for luxury trains in India, as Indians are climbing higher up the global economic ladder, they
When it comes to luxury rail tours, India leads the way with as many as 6 luxury trains offering unique cultural experiences across destinations in India
have more disposable income and are now willing to spend more to make their holidays, a memorable experience. Even though the market for luxury trains is mostly from foreign tourists, but the number of Indians travelling on luxury trains within India has also increased.
As CD Dyavaiah, Managing Director, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation says, “The Golden Chariot started in the year 2008 with 23 per cent occupancy. In the year 2011-12 the same has reached to 40 per cent showcasing a steady growth of market for the train. Most of our international travellers are from Europe, USA, Australia, Canada and South America. When we stared the train in 2008, the occupancy level of Indian travellers was just 5 per cent while the same has increased to around 20 per cent in the year 2011-12, this indicates that the train is becoming popular not only among international travellers but also among domestic tourists.”
However, as Kundu points out, “This growth is not as much as the growth in Indians travelling abroad for vacations. But Indians, residing abroad, prefer to travel back to India, with families, to connect to their roots and to explore history as it directly relates to one's life. The number of such Indians travelling on luxury trains has marked a considerable growth over the past couple of years. Consider this, by some estimates, the global ranks of middle class doubled over the last 20 years. On Maharajas’ Express, we envelop our passengers in a fascinating and an unforgettable cocoon of luxury and bespoke opulence. The cause for concern could be, however, that the global economic slowdown has impacted the tourist market. There could be at least 8-10 per cent dip in total inbound tourists, especially those coming from the USA and UK.”
Out there to ensure that the journey with them is an unforgettable experience, luxury trains are now offering a slice of royal life to discern- ing travellers giving them an excellent way to explore the country without having to compromise on comfort.