Airline companies go on overdrive to woo tourists

Subhadip Sircar

Mumbai, Nov 27: It is probably the best time to pack your bags for a holiday tour. With South Asian and South-east Asian countries promoting themselves aggressively as tourist destinations, airline companies and tourism promotion boards have joined hands to offer festive discounts to customers at rock bottom prices.

The attempt is to garner a share of 3.7 million Indian tourists visiting abroad every year. Travel and tourism spending by Indian residents stood at Rs 587.4 billion in 2000. Travel spending in India -- which witnessed a 15 per cent decline month-on-month post September 11 -- has seen a 7.3 per cent growth during the period between September 11 to November 17, 2001. In fact, post-Diwali travel bookings have come closer to the 2000 figure, mainly on account the attractive packages being offered by these airline companies.

The Malaysian and the Australian tourism development boards are currently hosting roadshows in India to promote their countries as potential tourist attractions. The Singapore tourism board is looking to turn Kuala Lumpur into a ‘shoppers paradise’, on the lines of Singapore and Dubai.

The Sri Lankan tourism board is offering a package of two to visit the island country at the price of one. The first class package is just for Rs 21,000 from Delhi and Mumbai, Rs 16,000 from Chennai, which is inclusive of airfare, stay and breakfast. The deluxe package costs Rs 24,500 from Delhi and Mumbai only.

The special package includes two air tickets (economy class) on Sri Lankan Airlines, airport transfers and star class accommodation on bed and breakfast basis. The Singapore Tourism board has unv-eiled the Celebration Singapore package which will be on schedule from November 20, 2001 to February 26, 2002.

The board is highlighting such perennial tourist favourites such as Singapore River Buskers’ Festival, the Christmas Light-up, Singapore River Hong Bao and the Chingay Parade.

To back up this effort, Singapore Airlines has launched a "Feel Good in Singapore" package -- which includes a three-day, four-night stay starting from US$57. SIA officials said that the scheme was valid throughout November though bookings had already closed.

Cathay Pacific, which offers four times a week service from New Delhi and Mumbai is offering passengers the chance to enjoy a free stay in Hong Kong. Passengers flying from either of these two destinations to Hong Kong and onwards to selected destinations by Cathay Pacific will be given free hotel accommodation in Hong Kong.
The promotion is valid from October 26, 2001 to January 31, 2002 for tickets purchased in India.