HYDERABAD: It is weekend getaways and staycations that have brought the travel industry back on track as many have been taking small vacations in between work.
Experts from the travel industry said that the bookings have already crossed the pre-pandemic figures.
They said that they are extending all the benefits given by hotels and governments to the consumers, which in turn is bringing the vacation cost down. According to the travel agents and those from the travel industry, the cost of vacation has gone down by about 20% to 30% as many are providing offers on stay and flight fares are comparatively cheaper to many destinations.
“Weekend getaways and staycations are selling like hot cakes,” said Anil Punjabi chairman (east), Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI). He said that many are preferring to book a place for themselves and relax therewith their family instead of mingling with others.
“Customer safety is our priority. We are only suggesting those places which are safe for customers,” he added.
Likewise, Santosh Kanna, vice-president, Leisure Travel, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said: “During last year and again in June 2021, people resumed travel by taking staycation and weekend getaways. Many are preferring to book a hotel or resort in the city they are living in and relaxing there for about five to seven days.”
He said they have launched several offers such as buy one get one free, family discounts, early-bird specials, and crazy deal packages to accelerate demand for quarter four of 2021.
They said that currently, domestic travel is dominating the international as many, especially with elderly and children in the family, are still hesitant to travel to international destinations. They also highlighted that people can enjoy their vacation even better now as places, even those which are usually very crowded, are seeing less footfall.
