New Delhi: If you want to be away from the city to bring in the New Year but think it’s too late to plan, there’s reason for you to cheer. With a slowdown in international demand, many hotels and getaway destinations are offering attractive deals, making a last-minute getaway possible and affordable.
Yatra.com CEO Dhruv Shringi says Goa continues to be among the most popular New Year getaways. He says great deals in Goa are still available since hotel room rates in the 5-star category have come down by 25-30%.
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But he also says Indians are choosing out-of-the-ordinary destinations. The number of them going abroad has increased significantly, growing 17.3% in 2007 from the previous year.
During the winter, Singapore was by far the most popular international destination. With countries like Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Thailand depending heavily on tourism, their governments are actively working on creating affordable travel packages.
Thailand, for example, had approximately 17 million foreign tourists visiting last year versus India’s approximate 5 million foreign visitors.
Destinations that are close by, like the Maldives, are likely to suit Indian vacationers who wish to go abroad, Shringi says. This allows them shorter holidays within a budget of Rs 20,000-30,000.