The Far-East (Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia) is emerging as the most-favoured tourist destination among Indians, leaving behind even the domestic havens.
More specifically, Thailand (Pattaya, Bangkok and Phuket) is the hot favourite since one can go there for a five-day tour in just around Rs 20,000, which is cheaper than most of the domestic getaways. In 2008, around five lakh Indian tourists went to Thailand. In the same year, 30 Indian couples took their wedding vows in the country with each inviting around 200 guests from India. Some important steps by the Thai authorities like waiving of the visa processing fees till March 2010 has boosted the numbers further. Also, in the reckoning are: reduction of take-off and landing charges for aircraft; slashing entrance fees for national parks by 50% and free travel insurance for tourists, according to Kiat Sittheemorn, President of the Thailand Trade Representative. The only dampener this festive season has been the spread of H1N1 influenza (swine flu), which has led to many a cancellation. Compared to the same time last year, there has been a 25-30% drop in business because of swine flu, says Just Holidays, CEO Sanjay Kothari. The effect is being mostly felt in places like West Bengal as here people travel during the puja holidays. Durga Puja starts from September 24.
In the last couple of years, foreign destinations have really picked up and are creeping up in the Indians? list of places to visit, says Amal Purandare, head of India operations, Arzoo.com. Last year close to 10 million Indians travelled overseas, according to Karan Anand, head relationships and supplier management of Cox and Kings. Going abroad is always more attractive than holidaying in the country. But it being an expensive affair, the average Indian till a few years back didn?t even see it as an option. But it?s a lot different now.
A three-four day Bangkok-Pattaya tour is cheaper than say a Himachal package, Purandare adds. The hotel charges are coming down as well in these places making them all the more a preferred choice. Affordability of these packages has made them a hit with travellers.
Since the far-east is near the eastern region of India, like Kolkata, it is better connected and thus cheaper. Till July, the number of Indians going to foreign locations had risen by 10-30% compared to last year, which is interesting keeping in mind the economic downturn. Purandare explains: ?The bad effects of the slowdown were felt mostly around October-November of 2008, which in any case wasn?t the peak travel season (December 20 to January 10) thereby not having much of an effect on travel plans.?
Although the numbers have increased, the slowdown has affected the way people plan their holidays. People are going for the lesser stars in hotels. The days of travel have been cut short as well.