In-bound tourist traffic up on empty pockets and influenza scare
In-bound tourist traffic up on empty pockets and influenza scare
It's a boom time. Quite literally for the Indian tourism industry this year, courtesy: swine flu and global recession.
Those who had chalked out their calender with exotic foreign locales as their dream destination are now stepping towards their home route. More and more tourists are opting for hot spots in the country, giving a boost to the domestic industry.
"There is a 15 to 20 per cent increase in the domestic tourism sector. In the wake of swine flu, lots of tourists are planning holidays within the country instead of going to foreign countries like USA, Canada or Switzerland.
Also, dueu00a0 to recession, this is the most viable option for people to visit the tourist destinations at a reasonable price," said Rajji Rai, President, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI).
The boom has also come as a blessing for the so far unexplored sectors like the northeastern states, apart from the regular hot spots like Goa, Shimla, Nainital and Dalhousie.
The state tourism departments are grabbing the opportunity with both hands. Besides special packages, attractive discounts are being offered to attract tourists.
Those who are still holding on to their plans to vacation abroad are taking a cautious approach. "Spread of swine flu is the first question that the out-bound tourists are asking about the country they plan to visit," said Vikas Jawa, director, Zoomtra.com, a travel portal.u00a0
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