Published on Mon, Dec 29, 2008 at 08:39 | Source : Business Line
Updated at Mon, Dec 29, 2008 at 08:58
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New Year bashes off, but travel agents optimistic
New Year celebrations are not looking as bad as presumed, after all. While the number of ostentatious parties might be less this year, nothing is stopping people from holidaying in near and far locations in the country as they welcome 2009.
But people are travelling and normalcy is setting in, says Mr Rajinder Rai, President of Travel Agents Association of India. "Till about two weeks back, flight bookings both national and international were down to 30 per cent, but they are picking up now. One can easily say that bookings in the coming week are above 50 per cent and still coming. Trains are also going full and we are hopeful that normal business activity will commence soon, signs of which are already visible," he said.
Mr Rai said rebound is being witnessed as fares have stabilised, people are getting over Mumbai attacks, Incredible India campaign is gaining heat, red alerts have been called off and foreign countries have also relaxed travel advisories against India.
Moreover, "How long can one grapple with all sorts of stress. This year especially, people just want to take a break and travel to relatively peaceful destinations," said Mr Rai.
