Veena Patil, managing director of Kesari Tours talks about holiday planners’ habits.
Tell us about the travel trends this season?
The traditional travel trends are still strong. Group tours, independent travellers and corporate travellers are the three major categories. There has been a misconception that group travel is
fading away but actually it’s becoming stronger and stronger. People today are addicted to travelling. However, the new factor is that they now demand a hands-on experience. They want to do something uncommon and fun. Bungee jumping, scuba diving, etc…Indians just want to experience it all and are keen on learning
newer things.
Also, independent women travellers are on the rise in India. Students and senior citizens are not far away from it either. In fact, parents are spending a lot on their kids these days. Most of the times, it comes as a prize or a gift after exams.
Are cultural holidays fast catching up in India?
This is an exclusive activity that not many people are into it as of now. It’s a little ahead of time perhaps, but isn’t growing as a trend. Besides, it’s also not a very organised effort right now, but it is the way to the future. The hotspots for cultural holidays in India would be Southern India and the Himalayas. Internationally, it would be China, Bhutan, Japan and also Thailand.
What are the evergreen tourist destinations for both foreign and domestic tourists?
Himachal Pradesh and South India remain the most preferred tourist destinations. Both the states are calm and politically undisturbed. And of course Rajasthan is a soulful experience. Internationally South east Asia and Europe are unbeatable.
Any drastic change in the travel styles of the new age Indian travellers?
People are becoming more and more comfort conscious. They want competitive prices without compromising on comforts. It’s value for money basically. The new age traveller is more aware and involved. The quality of travel is increasing.
What are the most preferred exotic getaways?
Mauritius is the best place ever. Turkey and South Africa too are growing as exotic getaways. It’s mostly honey mooners who opt for exotic places; or people who are cash rich and have a busy lifestyle.
