THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Gone are the days when people used to celebrate Onam with families, relatives and grandparents. Travel agencies across the state have ensured getaways for families, techies and other youngsters during Onam.
According to travel and tourism experts, the Malayalees’ tendency to go on foreign trips during holidays are increasing year after year.
Malaysia, Singapore, China, Europe, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Andaman are some of the favourite holiday destinations of Malayalees.
Air Travels Enterprises Chairman E M Najeeb said that travel destinations were expanding along with the preference of Keralites. He said that families holiday together at exotic locations and prefer to stay in luxurious hotels.
“Short vacation trips are becoming very common among youngsters and children decide the holiday location. Also youngsters who work in private firms get a long break during Onam and they prefer getaway trips. Most of them prefer neighbouring countries where a visa is not needed,” said Mr Najeeb.
President of Kerala Association of Travel Agents K V Muraleedharan said that holidaying in foreign countries was becoming more common among Keralites.
“We have started booking for December and the New Year. People prefer to stay in luxurious hotels in exotic foreign locations. Onam is the time of the year when everyone gets a break from their busy jobs. Now there is a direct flight to Kuala Lumpur and hence booking has also increased,” said Mr Muraleedharan.
He said that people book well in advance to get packages at reasonable rates. “We get hotels at attractive rates if we make the booking now. People are planning well in advance,” said Mr Muraleedharan. He said that the rate of the package depends on the preference of the customers.
