Rising costs of hotels and surcharges are prompting Mangaluru residents to look overseas for vacations, as international travel often proves more economical than exploring India.
Travel industry insiders report a surge in demand for destinations like Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. These locations, offering visa-on-arrival or free visa policies, are particularly appealing for their affordability and convenience. Dubai has also become a favored hotspot for Mangalurean travelers.
Eulalia D’Souza, proprietor of Lia Travels and Tours, shared an example highlighting the cost disparity. A group planning a domestic trip to Rajasthan faced a per-person expense of ₹1.23 lakh for a week, with airfare alone accounting for ₹35,000. In contrast, international options like Sri Lanka and Malaysia were far cheaper, with round-trip flights to Colombo costing just ₹20,000.
High domestic airfare, expensive accommodations, pollution, and traffic are significant deterrents for Indian travelers. The wedding season exacerbates these issues, further inflating prices at popular destinations like Goa. International spots such as Phuket or Colombo, by comparison, offer better experiences at lower costs.
For many, the value and appeal of international travel outweigh the challenges of navigating costly domestic tourism.
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