Gujarat tourism on revival mode post DeMo, GST

Globetrotting Gujaratis seem to have recovered from demonetization and GST, which had stalled their travel plans in the past one and a half years. While inquiries and bookings were subdued in the past eighteen months, those for current summer vacations are back on track for both international and domestic destinations.

"We expect a growth of about 10-15% this year. The growth is faster for international destinations than domestic ones," said Anuj Pathak, secretary of Travel Agents Association of Gujarat (TAG).

Major destinations in domestic circuit include hill stations of Leh, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Darjeeling, Gangtok, Kerala and Goa; while most popular international destinations include Dubai, Singapore, and Europe. As a short duration destination, Rajasthan has also opened up of late, say travel agents and tour operators. Among international destinations Australia and Canada are emerging rapidly on the radar of local travelers.

In the past few seasons, tourists were seen rationalising their travel plans under the effect of demonetization and GST. They either reduced the number of days or compromised on the quality of hotels. This season, this is not happening. "GST and demonetization are a thing of the past. We can say that things are now back on track," said Bhavin Shah, director of World Travels, a travel agency based in Ahmedabad.

Travel agents said that the increase in air connectivity within the country and abroad has also been a catalyst in enabling more travel. Increased frequency of airlines from Ahmedabad and other cities within Gujarat has made air travel less costly than what it was a few years ago. Foreign countries are also wooing Indian tourists and have expedited the clearance of visa. This has led to increased foreign tours during vacations, say travel agents.

"Canada is clearing visa applications in about 10 days. It has natural beauty, cruise facility as well as Niagara Falls. We are witnessing more inquiries and bookings," said Pathak.

Travel consultant Sanjeev Chhajer said that the growth in inquiries and bookings is as high as 40%. "Gujaratis want to escape the scorching summers, so they travel. Excess of offers also raised awareness of customers, however, there are last minute bookings, too," said Chhajer.