Owing to the ongoing crisis, vacationers are considering more cost-effective options like national or single international tourist destinations this summer
Owing to the ongoing crisis, vacationers are considering more cost-effective options like national or single international tourist destinations this summer
As summer vacations are just around the corner, Puneites are all geared up for a restful vacation. But this year, due to the ongoing economic slowdown, there is a slight detour in their preferred destinations.
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Go Goa: Tourists relax at Baga beach in Goa. File pic |
Vacationers are considering more cost-effective options like a national or single international tourist destinations like Singapore, Malaysia, Mauritius or Dubai. Shubhada Joshi, director of Girikand Travels, said, "Due to recession, even ardent travellers are opting for single international destinations. Also, people seem to be more concerned about their budget than luxury."
She added that travellers who used to opt for faraway places are now looking for popular destinations that are much closer. Also, they prefer shorter stay, as they want to get back to work within a week or so. Joshi said that a lot of people are enquiring about places in Hyderabad and Goa.
However, Joshi added that as the hotel bookings have dropped by about 40 per cent as compared to last year, people can surely bag a decent deal, if they bargain.
Nikhil Thakurdas, CEO of Odyssey Tours and Travels, said, "Turkey is one of the most sought after international tourist destination these days. And with Turkish Airlines offering daily flights from Mumbai and Delhi at modest rates, a lot of tourists are opting to explore Turkey's rich culture."
Thakurdas added that even Mediterranean cruise is gaining momentum amongst travellers. "Cruise holidays are considered a better bet as accommodation on a ship is more cost-effective than putting up in hotels. Besides, a cruise journey offers an array of unforgettable experiences," he said.
Thakurdas added that when it comes to national tourist destinations, people are opting for Kulu and Manali in Himachal Pradesh and other hill stations in Darjeeling and Sikkim. Moreover, vacationers are even going South to Kodaikanal and Munnar, while in the North, to places like Kalpa Valley, Kufri, Mukuteshwar and Yuthanga.
