Number of Indians holidaying abroad up

17 May, 2007

An increasing number of people from India, even those belonging to the middle class, are traveling overseas to spend their holidays.

About 7 million Indians traveled abroad in 2006-07, according to Subhash Goyal, president of Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) and chairman of STIC travel group. India’s outbound travel market has grown at an average of 25% over the past three years.

In fact, some people make more than one overseas travel in a year, in some cases two to three, mainly because of a host of attractive packages the tour operators offer.

A number of reasons have been cited for the increase in the number of globe-trotting Indians, according to the news agency IANS. A higher disposable income, a new mindset of pampering oneself, the affordability factor facilitated by numerous holiday packages and cheaper fares offered by various airlines are some of the reasons.

Easier bank loans for holidays and more countries having relaxed visa conditions for Indian families have also boosted outbound travel, says Subhash Goyal.

While the trend was first noticed in the Indian metros, now the tendency of holidaying abroad is fast catching up in smaller cities and towns, according to Ritu Lumba of Vacation Club International.

Nagpur, Vishakhapatnam, Ahmedabad, Nasik, Jaipur, Amritsar and Ludhiana are among the places showing a positive growth in outbound tourism since mid-2006.

The average amount spent daily per traveler is between $75 and $200, with choice of hotels varying from three-star to five-star. Since this amount does not include airfares or shopping charges, India becomes a higher spender in the outbound market compared to many developed countries.

Most travelers from India prefer Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong mainly because these places are rather affordable.

Thomas Cook offers a 12-day package tour to Bangkok, Pattaya, Genting, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore for Rs 69,450. This is including food, accommodation and a three-day river cruise.

In another package, one can visit various places in Thailand for five days at Rs 14,900 – inclusive of airfare, food and accommodation.

Europe, which the middle-class Indian usually does not prefer, is slowly gaining in popularity.

Dubai, China, Bhutan and Nepal are popular among holiday travellers. Mauritius and Maldives have a fascination for honeymooners.