Beaches popular with couples both in India and abroad; Australia, travel cruisers next preference: Agents.
Serene beaches, royal treatment in a palace setting and exotic cuisine for their perfect romantic getaway are what every honeymooner from the city is opting for.
While Bali, Bora-Bora Islands, Krabi, Maldives and Seychelles are the hottest international honeymoon destinations, Kerala, Goa and Rajasthan win hands down when it comes to domestic hotspots for newly-weds.
“Bali, Koh Samui, Krabi are the destinations most sought after by the newly-weds this year. But honeymooners are also seen opting for the all-time-favourite tour package — Singapore plus a cruise,” said Manish Sharma, managing director of Akshar Travels, adding: “Compared to last year, the demand has gone up this year.”
Sharma is also offering a newly introduced Dubai cruise that includes Abu Dhabi, Muscat and Dubai since a lot of honeymooners from the middle-income group cannot afford a tour of Singapore and the cruise package. He further stated that the land of deserts was also an attraction for couples believing in shop-till-you-drop even when they are on a romantic getaway.
“Kerala and Goa are leading destinations on the domestic front, followed by Manali, Gangtok and Darjeeling,” said Sharma.
Sanjeev Chhajer, vice-president of Cox & Kings, too, felt the same. “Cities in Rajasthan like Udaipur and Jaipur are also very popular on the list of domestic destinations preferred by romantic couples.”
Chhajer further stated: “These days, couples want a royal treatment for themselves, especially after having spent all those tiring days preparing and enjoying their wedding functions. This is also a reason why the royal palace packages of Rajasthan are selling like hot cakes.”
On the international front, Bali and Koh Samui make the cut. “But these destinations are now the choice of middle-income groups. Couples belonging to the very high-end category are opting for five and seven star hotels at places like Bora-Bora Islands, Maldives, Seychelles, New Zealand and Switzerland. Cruise liners of Singapore, Malaysia and Mauritius continue to be in demand even this year,” he said.
Shibani Phadkar, senior VP, leisure travel (outbound), of Thomas Cook (India), said Australia was also fast emerging as a preferred international destination.
“Australia’s sunshine winters coupled with its spectacular and scenic geo-natural formations ranging from the Great Barrier Reef and the rain forests to Ayers Rock, its azure blue waters and the pristine and pure beaches of Tasmania are some of the many popular attractions Down Under. Sydney-Melbourne, Cairns, Gold Coast and Hamilton continue to be the top choices for Indian honeymooners and so are some other new destinations like Frazer and Lizard Islands.
There is a rise of nearly 20% in newly-weds choosing Australia for their romantic getaway,” stated Phadkar.
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