43% to take off on foreign vacations for the first-time in 2011
Dipen Lathia, 46, middle class textile technician is all set to take off to Singapore. His eight-year-old daughter Diya is excited to explore foreign land for the first time. “This year my long time dream of going abroad has finally come true thanks to affordable air fares and packages,” said Lathia’s spouse Shital, 40.
And many middle class families Like Lathia’s have been fortunate to fly off to their dream destination this year for Diwali. The segment of footloose Gujaratis going abroad is widening this year due to improving financial prospects and attractive offers.
Asian Travel Monitor observes that particularly, in India 43% planning more outbound travel this year. About 60 percent of the outward bound traffic from India is linked to western region including Gujarat.
Debashish Sinha, vice-president, Makemytrip.com, said, “There is a phenomenal rise in tourists from Gujarat selecting international spots for travel this year. While domestic sector has also seen upward swing, the number of tourists selecting to go abroad has seen notable rise.”
The majority of the outward bound tourists have chosen Far East and Middle East destinations including Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok and Hong Kong. Rise in disposable income and low fares offered by budget airlines are the main factors behind the rise, say the industry experts.
Rasul Bombaywala, from PCFL Travel House, said, “The 4-night package for Bangkok costs about Rs. 25,000, 3-nights in Dubai costs Rs. 30,000 while 3-nights stay in Dubai comes at around Rs. 28,000, while the domestic travel packages also are available at similar costs. Attractive economical international packages have pulled in fresh tourists who previously preferred domestic trips due to financial constraints.”
As the economy is on the brink of consolidated upswing, Indian outbound market is ready to take off in 2011. “Travel industry currently predicts a further 6 to 8% increase next year on top of this year’s expected 14% growth. In particular, India appears set for strong growth, with 43% planning more outbound travel this year. IPK’s Travel Confidence Index for India in 2011 is at a very high 113 points,” notes the ITB World Travel Trends report 2010-2011 prepared by IPK International.
Sanjeev Chajjer from Cox and Kings who also confirmed about 40 percent rise in first-time-flyers said, “A new record figure for international trips could be set this year, as a double digit growth in outbound tourists has been noted and a single digit high is noted in number of tourists selecting domestic destinations.”
