Travel and booking companies are seeing a steep downward trend in international air-ticketing and hotel reservations. Has there been a positive ripple effect on domestic tourism? Are more Indians opting for holidays within the country instead? Iqbal Mulla, president of Travel Agents Association of India, joined IBNLive readers for an interaction on the matter.
Q. Are you seeing more foreigners coming into India now that a dollar buys more in India? That is a positive thing. Asked by: Suprabha
A. Yes I agree with it, but still need to witness in coming season. For inbound tourist arrival we need to maintain political satiability and security of tourist is very important.
Q. Are Indian travelers booking more domestic holidays now? Asked by: Mala
A. Yes, due a 20 to 30 percent drop in rupee value, tourist prefer domestic holidays.
Q. Are any countries lowering prices to lure the Indian visitor in this time of falling Rupee? Asked by: Anil Barwe
A. Yes it is true, they are also effected but the sudden drop from India. Offering 10 to 15 percent lower rates.
Q. Domestic travel is yet to get formal recognition s tourism. People traveling on leave travel or pilgrimage do not get any concession whilst hotels and tour operators do offer it to corporations for conferences. Why? Asked by: sundar1950in
A. Yes it is time to acknowledge and recognize domestic tourism and extend equal importance which keep us improving our economy and infrastructure. Corporations and conferences are in large scale, obviously get priorities.
Q. Other than Bengalis during pooja and Gujaratis at Deepavali other states persons do not seem to go much for travel as tourists. Why? Asked by: sundar1950in
A. Ii needs to be marketed and supported by local tourism boards.
Q. Is it true that the hospitality industry and travel agencies are not focused on Domestic travelers? Asked by: sundar1950in
A. It requires more attention. In recent times, it is getting its due.
Q. With Petroleum prices on high speed and rupee sliding faster than the landslides where will people find budget travels and leisure spots to go? Asked by: sundar1950in
A. It is a reason to worry. The government should consider some subsidy and avoid double taxes.
Q. Will this boost incoming travelers from abroad as a cheap holiday destination? Asked by: sundar1950in
A. Not really , unless rationales taxation policy all over India.
Q. Big blow to Indian tourist going abroad. Any way to expect a turn around? Asked by: sundar1950in
A. The reserve bank of India (RBI) and the government should come in play immediately, we travel agents do our best to improve it
Q. Are you seeing a lot of cancellations from Indians who had booked foreign holidays? Asked by: Animesh
A. There is drop of 20 percent and may lead to more cancellation. Unemployment will be more soon.
Q. After the Uttarakhand disaster, are holiday makers shunning the hills and the mountain destinations? Asked by: Rahul Kalvapalle
A. Of course, safety of family is a priority.
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