Indians want luxury on tours

Chennai: The Indian tourist, unlike his backpacker friend who prefers unsophisticated travel, is more inclined to indulge in luxury and comfort that are on offer in the tourism market.

Indians of late are spending without inhibition, thus drawing the attention of global marketers and giving a spurt to the domestic scene as well, said travel experts at the ongoing travel and tourism fair (TTF) at Nandambakk­am. Gujaratis and Rajas­thanis form the bulk of tourists in the country and Switzerland is the most picked destination, say the organisers.

G. Ibrahim, organiser of TTF and a veteran in the travel industry, says, “Ten years back, the Indian was not looked at as a premiere customers, but now there is a shift in the scene. As Indians are looking for more niche experiences and they are not giving a second thought when it comes to spending money for luxury, the country itself is booming.”

He adds, “The hotel industry in the country is trying to specialise, providing high­-end products and experience. The Indian tourist has one of the highest per capita spending of late, thus attracting global attention.”

Speaking of the most travelled group, officials with the Indian tourism department say, “Gujaratis an Rajasthanis seem to top the list.” They add that people in Tamil Nadu are also travelling a lot and that the trend is catching up.

Arun Jose, sales manager with Tamara esort in Coorg, says customers are looking for specialised experiences. Speaking of the niche experience on offer at Tamara, he says, “Being eco-friendly and proving an experience of being nestled amid 175 acres of coffee plantation is niche. And presently we have specialised and made the whole resort available only for couples.”

Jagat Dave, franchisee development head with Gem tours and travels, says, “ Of late we are seeing a steady rise in people looking for Switzerland as the tourist destination. Usually, the Indian tourist starts with Dubai as an out of country option and then the next on card is Switzerland and Europe.”

Sanyukta Roy, branch manager with Swiss holidays, agrees with Dave and says that people want to see Switzerland in summer and winter. She says, “Eve­ry year, we see almost a 20 per cent rise in clients wan­ting to see Switzerland.”