Europe to lose out to Far East in ’09

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Mumbai: Tourism industry players expect the ratio of international travel to domestic travel during 2009 to take a downturn at 30:70, unlike 60:40 in the previous year. This will be felt in the immediate holiday season starting April.

Travel in 2009 will see popular foreign destinations like Europe lose to Far East destinations like Macau, Mongolia, Turkey and Egypt, as the rate of currency, visa processes and connectivity will rule decisions of Indian travellers.

Perennial favourites like Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand are expected to remain popular due to the short duration of travel and affordable currencies. For instance, the air fare on the India-Hong Kong sector has dropped over the last one year and is about 30% cheaper, explains Ashutosh Mehere, vice-president, Free Individual Traveller (FIT), Cox & Kings.

As travel is becoming a private affair, for the seasoned as well as first time traveller, untapped destinations with customised itineraries like Koh Samui, Krabi, Seychelles, Cambodia and Bali are rising on the travel map. Besides self-drive vacations, gourmet tourism and cycling walks, among others, are also catching up.

"The Indian globe trotter wants to go beyond the mundane and do more of the local thing rather than just see a new place casually like experience sunrise from a seaplane over Vancouver, Canada," said Sunil Gupta, chief operating officer, Kuoni & SOTC.

On the domestic front, the recent correction in air fares will help boost travel. The weekend getaway destinations are expected see a spurt in growth.

"People with less time for leisure are likely to take more frequent but shorter trips nearer home," feels Gupta. He sees an "emergence of niche products" like adventure sports, premium holiday packages, wellness holidays, spiritual getaways and wildlife vacations, amongst others.

"Given the increased stress levels and work pressure, young working couples and corporate professionals often plan a quick getaway during weekends," he said.

Ashwin Damera, founder and chief executive officer, Travelguru, said, "2009 will be a year of budget travel and accessibility by train and road will give a fillip to near-by destinations."

After a mixed 2008, the travel and tourism industry now has its eyes set on the upcoming outbound season starting April.