Impact of slowdown is evident as more and more travellers are going for beaten path destinations abroad and India.
Even as holidaymakers from Pune have started packing their bags for Diwali vacations, the impact of the global economic crisis has toned down their adventurous streak.
The impact of the slowdown is evident as more and more travellers are preferring budget destinations like Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand in South East Asia, rather than exotic destinations in Europe. Closer home too, they are sticking to beaten path destinations like Kerala and Rajasthan. Besides, many are preferring to go to places in Maharashtra with Konkan topping the list of their favourites.
Sachin Gosavi, area manager, Girikand Travels, told DNA, “People from Pune are preferring to go to Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand as they are budget destinations. Travellers are also preferring short trips to Dubai as the temperatures there are not very high this time around. Some people are going to Mauritius as well.” People who cannot afford a trip abroad are going for domestic destinations, with Kerala and Kanyakumari being the two most popular choices.
Rahul Dhotre, manager of Prasanna Tours and Travels, said, “When it comes to choosing a domestic location, most families are going to Kerala or Kanyakumari this Diwali as the weather in these places is conducive to enjoying a trip. Many families are also choosing Rajasthan as moderate temperatures this time of the year make it the best time to visit the place.”
Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh are also emerging as popular destinations when it comes to domestic tourism.
Destinations within the state:
Those who cannot afford international trips or even domestic travel can go for short trips within the state, and Konkan has always been a hot favourite with Puneites. In fact, officials from the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) said that bookings to these destinations were completely full till November 22.
According to MTDC officials, people who prefer short trips were going to Ganpatipule, Harihareshwar, Tarkarli and Diveagar. Apart from the Konkan belt, they are also choosing hill stations like Mahabaleshwar, Matheran and Panhala.
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