CHENNAI: The heightened security situation after the Brussels terror attacks and a fluctuating euro have dampened plans of holidays in Europe this summer. Destinations on that continent were the most marketed when bookings opened early last year for travel in April-May. But many have now backed out.
This has reflected in a dip in patronage for airlines. In a bid to boost travel, British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Dragon Air have come out with offers and discounts.
Tour operators say they'll incur losses because bookings did not match the expectation generated in the market early last year. The coming assembly election too has hit the flow of outbound travel from Chennai. The big operators, however, do not see a major dip because they handle clients from across the country.
Sharat Dhall, president, Yatra.com, said a small percentage of travellers cancelled trips to Europe due to the Brussels attacks. "There has not been a major dip in bookings. People are exploring other locations instead of Belgium, such as Turkey, Italy, Austria, Czech Republic as well as the UK," he said.
The value of euro would not lead to cancellations because trips were usually planned in advance to fit budgets, he said.
Basheer Ahmed of Metro Travels said Europe was the top destination last year for TN travellers.
"This year, interest is scattered. Exchange rate of euro is also playing a part in selection of destinations. One euro equalled 66 last year when bookings were done. Now, one Euro is equal to 76 to 78," he said.
A Yatra.com study shows a 137% increase in people travelling to newer and non-traditional destinations like Cambodia, Bhutan, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Australia.
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