Travel operators in Ludhiana have reported a 20-25 percent decline in international vacation bookings this summer, attributing the drop to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to conserve fuel and avoid overseas tourism. While some residents may have taken the appeal lightly, a significant section appears to be treating it seriously, viewing fuel conservation and limiting foreign travel expenditure as matters of national concern.
Reasons Behind the Decline
Rupjit Saggar of Saggar Tours and Travels stated that overseas bookings have declined by up to 25 percent. He cited several reasons, including expensive airfares. "Earlier, a return ticket to Vietnam would cost around Rs 70,000, but due to rising fuel prices, the cost has now increased to nearly Rs 1 lakh. Secondly, ongoing global tensions and the Prime Minister's appeal have also cast a shadow over overseas travel," Saggar explained.
Despite the slowdown, some travelers have still booked packages for destinations such as Singapore, Vietnam, and Europe. However, bookings for domestic destinations like Mysore, Kerala, and Goa are significantly higher this time.
Impact on Domestic Travel
Manan Puri from Shine Tours and Travels noted that travel costs have escalated manifold. "Fuel and rooms are expensive. Tickets have become costlier, and so are room tariffs. People are going to Mussoorie, Rishikesh, and Manali this summer, but at much higher room tariffs. A room in Rishikesh that was Rs 10,000 earlier is now approximately Rs 25,000 per night. Residents are traveling, but they have shortened their stays to make it budget-friendly," Puri said. He added that there were negligible tourists heading to Srinagar this season.
Anil Kumar from Vacations Pro International reported a slump of about 30 percent in overseas vacations this time.
Resident Perspectives
Rajesh Kumar, a city resident, expressed a preference for spending quality time with family within India this summer due to escalating global uncertainties. "I remember how people remained stranded in Dubai for several days when the conflict broke out. It is better to stay within India this time," he said.
Traditionally, the summer break is an ideal time for Ludhiana residents to relax and unwind, with families planning vacations months in advance. However, this year, domestic destinations are gaining preference over international ones, driven by cost concerns and a sense of national duty.
