This year was supposed to be tourism boom considering the fact that rumours that the world is going to end as per Mayan calender. More than this psychological factor behind the boom, the fact that Thailand and other Far East countries were considered tourist hot spots after Floods, Tsunami had effected these countries, tourist dwindled. This forced the hotel and airline to drop prices and made the cost affordable, just imagine visiting 6 days Thailand at a package of 30 K per pax.
Just when the tourism was looking up there was this earthquake in Kashmir this morning, followed by serial bomb blasts in Thailand. Added to it increased surcharge on travel, hike in jet fuel price in India and many more negative factors. There seems to be cartelisation of sorts among travel operators and airlines to hike tariffs from 81 k to 95 k plus for a package of 13 days tour along with Kashmir to Far East.
The absence of full fledged service from Kingfisher has made matters worse for tourist. Even now Kingfisher has been offering a return trip from Bangalore to Srinagar at 11 K per person, we don t how many takers are there since they have lost the confidence of the customers. A full fledged airliner has suddenly realised that the only way to go is through is budget travel. A realisation late in the day.
Now coming to uncertain circumstances it is better to postpone plans for holiday this summer and expect the prices of the package tour to cool down due to lack of demand. Otherwise change to affordable destination. What are your plans guys ? Should we undertake a trip as if there is no tomorrow or better to postpone our trip to off season. Do leave behind your suggestions.
