What swine flu scare? Have package, will travel

New Delhi: Defying doomsday predictions on swine flu, people are packing bags to get out of town over the long weekend. With prices down by 15%-20% from last year on special packages for I-Day, travellers are spoiled for choice.
While Agra, Jaipur, Shirdi and Tirupati are domestic favourites, Macau and southeast Asian destinations are the current international hotspots. And this is all thanks to the never-say-die spirit of the Indian traveller. Travel Agents Association of India’s (TAAI) Rajinder Rai said, “Swine flu has had no impact on holiday bookings in general. Travel to some areas like Pune may be affected but people are still travelling for the long weekend to places like Macau and southeast Asian destinations.”
Industry estimates suggest that 20% more Indian travellers are visiting Macau this year drawn by its international casinos and buzzing nightlife. STIC Travels’ Hong Kong-Macau package is also proving popular and it has offered a 40% slash in prices for Sri Lanka.
An indication of the drop in prices is the weekend packages offered by yatra.com. The online travel company is offering domestic destinations like Goa, Jaipur, Mussoorie and Kodaikanal starting at Rs 2,289 per person for two nights and three days.
Besides cutting down on costs, companies are throwing in perks like private transfers from airport and all meals included in the packages.
11/08/09 Himanshi Dhawan/Times of India

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Categories: Foreign Aug 2009, Indian Aviation- In General Aug 2009