Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to conserve fuel and avoid overseas tourism appears to have influenced travel choices of Ludhiana residents, with travel operators reporting a 20-25 per cent decline in international vacation bookings this season.
While many may have taken the appeal lightly, a significant section of people appear to be taking it seriously, viewing fuel conservation and limiting foreign travel expenditure as matters of national concern. Traditionally, the summer break is considered an ideal time for Ludhiana residents to relax and unwind themselves, with families planning vacations months in advance.
Whether domestic or international, travel inquiries usually begin early to secure the best packages and deals.
Rupjit Saggar of Saggar Tours and Travels said overseas bookings had witnessed a decline of up to 25 per cent. “There are several reasons behind the decline. Airfares have become expensive. Earlier, a return ticket to Vietnam would cost around Rs 70,000, but due to rising fuel prices, the cost has now increased to nearly Rs 1 lakh. Secondly, ongoing global tensions and the appeal made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi have also cast a shadow over overseas travel,” said Saggar.
He added that despite the slowdown, travellers had still booked packages for destinations such as Singapore, Vietnam and Europe. “However, bookings for domestic destinations like Mysore, Kerala and Goa are much higher this time,” he added.
Another tour and travel agent Manan Puri from Shine Tours and Travels said that this time the cost of travel had escalated manifold. “Fuel and rooms were expensive. The tickets have become costlier and so are the room tariffs. People though are going to Mussoorie, Rishikesh and Manali in summer, but at much expensive room tariffs. A room in Rishikesh which was Rs 10,000 earlier is approximately Rs 25,000 per night today. Residents are going though, but the days have been squeezed to make it budget friendly,” said Puri. He added that there were negligible tourists for Srinagar this time.
Anil Kumar from Vacations Pro International said that there was a slump of about 30 per cent in overseas vacations this time.
Rajesh Kumar, a city resident, said he preferred spending quality time with family within India this summer due to escalating global uncertainties. “I remember how people remained stranded in Dubai for several days when the conflict broke out. It is better to stay within India this time,” he said.
