Soumendu and Payal Mukherjee are all set for their second honeymoon. They have booked a 10-day trip to Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. But the cherry on the cake is the flat 30 per cent discount they have bagged from SOTC under its winter holidays offer.

Kamlesh and Deepa Rupani have also planned a four nights-five days’ package to the Valley at an estimated cost of Rs 45,000.

Economic slowdown coupled with the depreciating currency, escalating airfares and room-rent have not deterred these couples from going for a holiday this festive season (September to December).

According to tour operators, travellers have not given up on their holiday plans. However, they are looking at altering them to suit their budgets.

Operators are also announcing a slew of attractive packages and discounts to woo both outbound and domestic travellers.

“Travellers see value for money with complimentary services, discounts and offers. We have, therefore, launched ‘Winter Holidays 2012’. Travellers booking any of our Far East tours can avail a 30 per cent discount. Additionally, the child (up to 12 years) travels free of cost,” Daniel D’Souza, Head Sales B2C-tour operating, Kuoni India. Kuoni India’s outbound travel brand is SOTC.

Thomas Cook has announced 10-20 per cent discounts on its packages during this festive season.

Depreciation of the rupee against the dollar does not have much of an impact on outbound travel. “The cost difference (due to rupee depreciation) in outbound travel is marginal; between 7 and10 per cent. This doesn’t deter Indians from travelling overseas,” said Karan Anand, Head-Relationships, Cox & Kings.

Travellers are also opting for short haul destinations or planning trips to domestic destination for budget holidays.

According to D’Souza, destinations such as Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong and Thailand are the big draws.

“Some people are reducing their vacation days. Kashmir and Himachal are the new destinations for domestic budget travellers,” he added.

This apart, travellers might curb discretionary spending such as shopping for better packages.

>ayan.pramanik@thehindu.co.in

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