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Slowdown: Diwali holiday bookings decline 20% in Gujarat

AHMEDABAD: One reason why people look forward to Diwali breaks is to break-free from the mundane routine and find some peace and quiet at a place, away from the urban hustle and bustle. However, thanks to the sluggish festive sentiment, holiday bookings during the Diwali vacation have declined.


Estimates by travel agents’ and tour operators’ Association of Gujarat (TAG) and Travel Agents’ Federation of India (TAFI) suggest that bookings have gone down by 20% against last year.



“International group tour bookings have taken a major hit when it comes to Diwali holidays. Vacationing is a luxury and at a time when key industrial sectors such as chemical, automobile and textile, among others, are reeling under a slowdown, holiday bookings would take a hit,” said Manish Sharma, secretary, TAFI – Gujarat chapter.

Echoing a similar view, Anuj Pathak, secretary, TAG, said, “The financial crisis had a significant impact on holiday bookings. People who are from a higher economic class account for barely 5% of our customers who usually remain unaffected by the slowdown, as they have deeper pockets. However, at least one-third of our customers would defer their vacation plans when the overall sentiment is sluggish and cashflow is a concern. This affects our business.”

Even road trips appear to have taken a hit, this time, indicate estimates by cab owners. “The bookings for cars on hire have gone down by 50% this year. There are hardly any customers from Gujarat who have approached us for cabs. Instead, those who are travelling from outside Gujarat have inquired and booked cars. These are mainly for destinations such as Gir, Somnath, Dwarka and Statue of Unity,” said Kirit Patel, president, Gujarat Luxury Cab Owners’ Association (GLCOA).

Due to low demand, cab owners have not increased fares based on festive demand. The fare for a multi utility vehicle (MUV) goes up to Rs 16 per kilometre against Rs 13 per kilometre during Diwali.

Similarly, that for a sedan car goes up to Rs 13 per kilometre against Rs 10.5 otherwise. Cab owners said they have not increased fares this time as the inquiries and uptakes are as such low.

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