SANGAM PRASAIN
KATHMANDU, SEP 30 -
Travel agents are reporting an increase in outbound bookings as Nepalis get bitten by the travel bug during the Dashain holidays. In addition, tour packages have become more affordable and disposable incomes have swelled leading more Nepalis to seek adventure in faraway lands.
Most of the bookings are for tour packages to Bangkok followed by Malaysia and Singapore. However, tour operators said that bookings for trips to other destinations such as Dubai, Mauritius, Switzerland, Japan, Egypt, China and some European destination were growing.
Neeli Shah, outbound executive of Malla Travels and Treks, said that although Thailand was the most popular destination for Nepali fun seekers, enquiries for other new destinations were on the rise.
President Travel & Tours is also receiving inquiries for other destinations apart from Thailand and Malaysia, mainly due to simplification of visa procedures by European countries.
Sabina Nagarkoti, tour sales executive of President Travels, said that they had already sold more than 100 packages for Bangkok, more than 25 for Malaysia and more than 35 packages to Singapore for October. "Tour sales are encouraging this festive season compared to the last one," she added.
Marco Polo Travels that deals in tours to Thailand, Malaysia, Egypt and China has already sold 60 packages to Bangkok, 40 each to Malaysia and Singapore. "We have also sold five-six packages to Egypt for this Dashain," said Prajita Satyal, sales executive of Marco Polo Travels. Last year, the agency sold over 500 packages.
According to travel agencies, people want to get away from their daily routine here. Moreover, the packages offer what they want. A wide range of amusement available in different places are attracting Nepali travellers.
Amogh Shakya, chief executive officer of Lalit Mandap Travels & Tours, said that tour packages to China were encouraging this season. "We have sold 30-32 packages to China." The agency also sold 10 packages to Europe this season.
Lalit Mandap Travels has sold over 64 packages to Thailand, and over 20 combined packages to Malaysia and Singapore.
According to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), the number of Nepali holidaymakers visiting foreign countries increased by 26 percent to 27,679 in 2009 from 21,899 in 2008.
Changing lifestyles of the younger generation combined with simplified visa procedures and easy availability of tour packages have spurred Nepalis to travel and see the world, said travel agents.
An expanding middle class in Nepal is another reason for the growth in outbound. A recent report published by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) entitled "The Rise of Asia's Middle Class" said that there were 1.41 million people in Nepal earning US$ 4-10 per day. Similarly, 230,000 Nepalis earn US$ 10-20 per day and 100,000 people make more than US$ 20 per day.
Marco Polo Travels
Destination: Bangkok
Packages: 5 nights 6 days
Accommodation: 3 star
Price: Rs. 10,252 (excluding airfare)
Destination: Malaysia
Packages: 5 nights 6 days
Accommodation: 3 star
Price: Rs. 15,884
Destination: Singapore
Packages: 3 nights 4 days
Accommodation: 3 star
Price: Rs. 14,440
Lalit Mandap Travels & Tours
Destination: Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore (combined)
Packages: 12 days
Accommodation: 4 star
Price: Rs. 142,000 (all-inclusive)
Destination: Bangkok
Packages: 8 days
Accommodation: 4 star
Price: Rs. 69,900 (all-inclusive)
Destination: Europe
Packages: 12 days
Accommodation: deluxe three star
Price: Rs. 295,000 (all-inclusive)
Malla Travels &Treks
Destination: Bangkok
Packages: 5 nights 6 days
Accommodation: 3 star
Price: Rs. 13,000 (excluding airfare)
Destination: Dubai
Packages: 3 nights 4 days
Accommodation: 3 star
Price: Rs. 14,000 to 15,000 (excluding airfare)
Destination: Mauritius
Packages: 4 nights 5 days
Accommodation: 3 star
Price: 16,245 (excluding airfare)
President Travel & Tours
Destination: Bangkok
Packages: 4 nights 5 days
Accommodation: 3 star
Price: Rs. 11,999 (excluding airfare)
Destination: Malaysia
Packages: 4 nights 5 days
Accommodation: 3 star
Price: Rs. 14,500 (excluding airfare)
Destination: Singapore
Packages: 2 nights 3 days
Accommodation: 3 star
Price: 12,000 (excluding airfare)
