Bookings drop 20–30% as tourists skip North India, shift towards South & SE Asia
For Gujaratis, locking in Diwali vacation plans months in advance is almost tradition. But this festive season, the state’s famously travel-hungry community is holding back.
Travel agents report a 20–30% dip in inquiries and bookings compared to last year, citing high inflation, soaring airfares, global uncertainties, and the aftermath of natural disasters as key deterrents.
North loses shine, South gains traction
Once-popular northern hotspots—Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, and Uttarakhand—are witnessing minimal bookings. The lingering impact of the Pahalgam terror attack and recent floods and landslides have made these destinations less appealing. Instead, southern getaways like Ooty, Kodaikanal, Munnar, Thekkady, and coastal Kerala are seeing increased demand.
International shift to affordable Asia
On the global front, Gujaratis are rethinking traditional favourites like Dubai and Singapore. “Travellers are now eyeing Vietnam, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Bali—destinations where packages are comparably priced but offer better value,” said Alap Modi of Ajay Modi Travel Pvt Ltd.
Snehal Patel of Akash Travels added, “Expensive airfares have made even domestic packages costlier. The market feels cooler this year, though some last-minute bookings may still come in.”
Dilip Maslani, Gujarat chairman of the Travel Agents Federation of India, confirmed the trend: “International bookings for Singapore and Dubai are down, while Vietnam and Malaysia are drawing crowds thanks to affordable hotels, lower fares, and pleasant weather.”