Notwithstanding the high airfares and the impact of rupee valuation, majority of Indians are still keen to travel this winter season with 76 per cent preferring to go on a vacation within the country, a survey released on Thursday said.
"...in spite of there being no respite from high airfares or the rupee valuation, 69 per cent Indians are still keen on travelling this winter," according to travel portal Yatra.com’s winter survey.
The survey was conducted among 15,000 individuals, part of the portal's customer base.
“India is the most preferred destination this winter season with more than 76 per cent respondents willing to take their year-end holidays within the country,” it said, adding that the top domestic destinations include Goa, Kerala and Andaman and Nicobar islands.
The remaining 24 per cent respondents would like to plan their vacations abroad to destinations like Dubai, Europe and South East Asia.
According to the survey, 22 per cent of the respondents are willing to travel but will do so by cutting down on their shopping spends, followed closely by 21 per cent who will choose to travel with a budget carrier and 20 per cent who have said that they don't mind reducing the duration of their holiday.
“This is a strong indication of the sentiment of travellers this season who will travel although with minor alterations to neutralise the rise in costs,” the travel site said.
Sharat Dhall, President Yatra.com, said, "We at Yatra.com this year have seen a tremendous rise in terms of bookings for the winter holidays,” adding that this year the portal has seen a growth of almost 30-40 per cent in bookings for holiday packages.
Further, the survey stated that the typical travel budget this winter will range between Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 50,000 per person with majority of the respondents preferring to go for a 5-10 days holiday.
