For tourism, lean is not FIT!

While outbound from India in the summer months sees a heavy traffic every year, the inbound market is still struggling. Touted as the lean period for travel by most inbound agents and hotels, the period from May to August results in low business as well as low occupancy. However, places like Dubai, with higher temperatures than India, as well as Singapore and Thailand, which too have tropical climate, still receive ample number of tourists. The reason is clear–apt marketing and the right products to attract tourists throughout the year. From amusement parks to adventure activities, they manage to grab the fancy of travellers from around the world. India can not only develop some tourist products, but also promote night tourism in the warmer regions. For agents, there is a need for better packaging, by incorporating cooler locations or mountains. Sticking to traditional markets might not reap benefits, as people from other regions also travel during these months, and these could be tapped as potential markets by agents and tour operators. Even MICE activities can get revenue to sail through these months. Summers shouldn’t be that cruel after all!