HYDERABAD: With the mercury steadily climbing in the city, many Hyderabadis are packing their bags and heading to cooler climes of Europe, with some even opting for offbeat locales like Iceland and Finland.
“Since I have seen most parts of Europe and have just returned from Spain and Milan, I decided to explore Iceland. The temperature there would range between eight and 15 degrees at the time of my visit. It will be a welcome break from the unbearable heat here,“ said Narender Surana, chairman of Surana Group.
In fact, such `luxury destinations' are now being made `affordable' by tour agents via various permutations and combinations. “Our bestselling Europe holiday packages range between Rs 35,999 and Rs 60,000 per person depending on the choice of destination and offers,“ said Neelu Singh, CEO and director, Ezeego1, a travel website.
A seven-day regular pack age to Europe tour rang es from Rs 1.1 lakh to 1.5 lakh, excluding tickets. But budget pack ages, beginning at Rs 80,000 per at Rs 80,000 per person for seven days, are also be ing rolled out.
“I have been planning a tour for two years. Finally , this year I will be heading to Russia with a group of six as we have a budget package that fits the bill for all of us,“ said Rahul V Katria, a software professional.
Meanwhile, the number of tourists flying out of Hyderabad is on the rise.“Tourists from Hyderabad account for 10% of Thomas Cook India's overall leisure tourists and has recorded an 18% growth this year,“ said Rajeev D Kale, president and country head leisure travel, MICE, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd.
The increase in travel is being attributed to favourable exchange rates, economic airfares and discount packages on offer.