With more Indians opting for foreign destinations for summer holidays, travel and tour operators are witnessing up to 65 per cent increase in outbound traffic this season.
According to travel service providers such as STIC Travel, Cleartrip.com, Cox and Kings and Pearl Luxe, Europe and Southeast Asia are among the most sought after places, while there are also a few surprises as many India’s are flying to unexplored locations.
Although, a large number of travellers ask for affordable tour packages, luxury travel is also catching up in a big way among Indians, the tour operators said.
?In the April to June period this year, the total international travel has grown up by 65 per cent in case of Cleartrip.com in terms of number of people flying outside India,? Cleartrip Supplier Relation Executive Vice-President Noel Swain told PTI.
He said the top five locations as per bookings made by the company are Bangkok, Singapore, Dubai, Kathmandu and London.
According to leading wholesale travel agent and tour operator STIC, cruises are becoming increasingly popular among Indian holiday goers.
?The Alaskan Cruises and Star Cruises are seeing a lot of traction. Besides, there are sought after destinations such as Spain, Portugal, South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia and Philippines STIC Travel Group Chairman Subhash Goyal said.
In order to fulfill the needs of travellers scouting for luxurious experiences, Cox and Kings has introduced a concept of Luxury Van Tours in Europe.
?A family of six can hire a van with a driver who doubles up as a tour leader and he showcases all the sights and attractions of destinations…We realised that there was a segment of Indians who liked such luxury,” Cox and Kings Director Peter Kerkar said.
According to Pearl Luxe, a luxury travel firm, London, Milan and Istanbul are among the all time favourites and new destinations include Hvar and Debrovnik in Croatia, Latvia and Slovenia.
?There is a keen interest in renting and even buying luxury villas in destinations such as Thailand and Maldives by our clients,? Pearl Luxe Founder Taruna Seth said.
With an aim to cater to the growing demand for newer and unexplored destinations companies are also launching customised packages. Yatra.com for instance has announced an experiential holiday package ‘Jordan Explorer’.
The total outbound travel in India is expected to see an increase of 25-30 per cent in 2011, compared to the last year. As per estimates 12.5 million Indians travelled overseas in 2010.
The international tour packages differ from operator to operator and also depend on destination and facilities provided. However, a popular destination in Southeast Asia can cost around Rs 35,000 per person for four nights, a trip to any European destination can cost around to Rs 65,000.
For South Africa, the cost could go up to Rs 80,000 per person for four nights depending on the nature of adventure activities involved, as per the estimates of Cox and Kings.
In the domestic market, the most preferred destinations are Ladakh, Darjeeling, North East, Kerala, Goa and most of the hill stations such as Kullu Manali, Mahabaleshwar in Western India and Ooty in South India.
?Demand for India specific holidays have shot up. There seems to be an inclination to see India in its various hues and with easy air and rail connectivity tourist destinations are not inaccessible anymore,” Cox and Kings Director Peter Kerkar added.