Holidaying abroad, with a Maharashtrian flavour

Tailormade packages for Maharashtrians are the in-thing these days. Focusing on the local population, national tour operators like SORTC have been going all out to make sure you are comfortable. ‘‘We have introduced the Maharashtra Bramhan Mandal — a package specially for Maharashtrians. We’ve always felt the need to meet their requirements especially since a large number of them are travelling abroad,’’ says Haresh Koyande, manager (marketing services) SOTC.

The itinerary includes sightseeing and increased number of places in a shorter trip and even a Maharashtrian tour manager. ‘‘They are very comfortable travelling with people from their own community and are hassle-free people; therefore we’ve even added tips in the cost of the package,’’ adds Koyande.

At Prasanna Tours and Travels, their mailers and brochures have always been bilingual: Marathi and English. ‘‘We have always catered to the local population but there has definitely been an increase in the number of people going abroad,’’ informs Vivek Bedekar, its director. Spending money on themselves, with several insurance and medical schemes available and with children staying abroad, parents are inclined to go abroad.

On the Maharashtrian front, Kesri Tours has been a popular choice. Says Himanshu Patil, director, ‘‘At least 80 per cent of our customers are Maharashtrians. They just want one aapla manus to guide them through the tour. That of course is a requirement of anybody in a strange country.’’ But what puts their tours aside is that along with aapla manus they also send typical Maharashtrian food. ‘‘Whether it is Switzerland or somewhere else in Eurpoe, we ensure that they get a bite of Maharashtrian cuisine like puran poli there. It helps make them feel more at home,’’ stresses Patil.

The Far East and Europe have always been hot destinations and these days, the tourists are well-informed. The beauty of Rome or the charm of Venice have always been a favourite of tourists.

Says Prashant Kale, director Oscar Tours and Travels Pvt Ltd, ‘‘Maharashtrians have had tight purse strings. In the last five years, they have loosened considerably.’’ With tour prices beginning from Rs 75,000 and upwards, it’s not that difficult for most to travel abroad.