"Inquiries for the upcoming summer vacations are going strong and demand for overseas vacations has soared up by 22% while domestic holidays have surged by 20%. Since it’s the opportune time for family vacation, travellers don’t want to miss their chance to travel in this period. Since most of the holiday bookings are done almost 2-3 months in advance, those who wish to go for an international vacations in April-May have already started zeroing on their travel destinations" says Karan Anand, Head, Relationships, Cox & Kings.
Just like the past couple of years, Europe is top trending destination followed by Far East, South Africa and Egypt. For Europe, South Africa and Australia/New Zealand (all-inclusive group tour Starting from INR 164582) mostly group tours are preferred as it makes the holiday pocket-friendly. Whereas for Far East, travellers prefer both- group and individual tours depending on their convenience. Seasoned travellers as well as families visiting their relatives/friends abroad look for tailored journeys to close-by travel destinations.
"Most of the family travellers are preferring group itineraries that are all inclusive, fully loaded with lot of sightseeing and child-friendly activities for this summer. The most popular family attractions in Europe include Euro Disney Park, Asterix Park (France), Kuekenhof, Volendam (Netherlands), river cruises in Paris, Amsterdam, Venice and cable car rides at Aiguille Du Midi/ Mount Titlis. The European regions that are high on demand are Mount Cox & Kings and Glacier 3000 in Switzerland, Chamonix in France, Rome, Venice (Italy) Salzburg, Innsbruck (Austria) and Berlin, Stuttgart (Germany).
Well-heeled travellers are showing keen interest in exotic destinations like Cambodia, Greece, Turkey, Vietnam, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Japan, Morocco, Egypt, Kenya and Tanzania. Freestyle cruises in Singapore are grabbing the attention of Indian travellers this year as well. In addition to Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia, budget travellers are also seem interested in Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka being closer to the home country.
This year more number of travellers are seeking for easy EMI option especially for international holidays. Easy EMI option is making the dream of overseas vacation come true for many middle class Indian families" says Karan Anand.
In the domestic market Himachal, Sikkim-Darjeeling, Bhutan, Ladakh and Kerala are picking up the most. There is also a demand for 100% veg kitchen group tours from vegetarian travellers. The tours offer tasty vegetarian food varieties prepared by specially appointed Maharaj (Chef). Apart from mouth-watering food, the travellers also appreciate certain ‘wow’ factors added to their summer itineraries such as free souvenirs, cultural programmes/ dance performances presented by local artists, add-on activities like hot air ballooning, exploring local craft/ culture among others.
While group holidays are trending among families, youngsters between the age group 18-24 are opting for individual or closed group tours when travelling on their own. This segment is increasingly looking for adventure/self-drive tours for their summer break.
Pilgrims are also rushing for Chardham and Kailash Manasarovar Yatra starting from mid-May.
Tags:Cox & Kings
