Goa’s packed,residents opt for international holidays

“For domestic holidays,the most popular destinations are Andamans,Kerala,Rajasthan and Goa. We have managed to keep the prices very competitive and it is not on the higher side,” says Karan Anand,head,relationships,Cox & Kings.

Amol Bakshi,director at Uniglobe Remarkable India Travels and Tours,agrees that Goa is the tourist hotspot this season. He says most of the moderate budget hotel rooms have been sold out and the possibility for group bookings now is negligible. “When we get group bookings for Goa,we straightaway tell our customers that it is not possible. We do an extensive search for couples and small families who want one or two rooms,but we tell them in advance that the chances are low. The only possibility of getting rooms to stay in Goa is at the five star and other big budget hotels,” says Bakshi. The situation is similar in the nearby hill stations of Mahabaleshwar and Matheran,he says.

But while the holiday hub,Goa,is saturated with visitors,the neighboring regions in the Konkan areas make for a worthy alternative this festive season. “The virgin beaches,specially Tarkarli,are other popular destinations among our customers,” says Bakshi.

Amul Agarwal,director,Siddhivinayak Holidays,says apart from the Konkan region,people who want to go a little further from home are opting for Kerala. “There are a number of holiday activities one can plan in Kerala. From spa treatments to safaris and temple visits,it promises to be filled with relaxing and rejuvenating experiences,” says Agarwal.

“I have either bookings for Goa and Kerala or my customers want to travel abroad. Even though the expenditure has gone up for travelling out of India,many people want to explore different countries and holiday spots across the world,” he says.

According to Agarwal,Singapore and Dubai are the most popular destinations for Puneites,probably because of the shopping festivals held at both places. “Internationally,people are (also) travelling to South Africa,Mauritius,Malaysia and Thailand,” says Anand of Cox and Kings,adding that Sabah and Sarawak in Malaysia is emerging as the next most popular international off-beat destination among Puneites.

One-day trips are also gaining popularity among those who have restrictions on time and money but want to have a fun time during their holidays. “Anticipating the rise in the number of visitors during the festive season,the theme park at Khopoli,Adlabs Imagica,has raised its entry fee from Rs 1,500 to 1,800 for adults from November 1. Still,it is a popular one-day getaway for those living in Pune or Mumbai,” says Bakshi.