THE fluctuating rupee has hit Indian outbound, with some Asian sellers reporting discouraging figures this year.
The Traveller Malaysia director/general manager, Jessica Koh, has seen a 20-30 per cent dip from the market year-to-date, with trading down occurring. To avoid competing on price, the tour operator is offering differentiated products such as themed hotels and city villas.
“Malaysia is being squeezed as Indian travellers are keeping their budgets for Singapore…plus with Genting’s theme park closed for renovation, they are now doing day tours or skipping us altogether,” she said.
Wildlife Reserves Singapore also noted a drop of 15 per cent in tourists from India during the summer months.
However, director of its sales department, Liang Wern Ling, hopes that winter bookings would “match last year’s level”, given that the attractions operator had launched its River Safari product in the Indian market last week.
“We hope to see a twin package combining Night Safari and River Safari, especially with our boat ride opening soon.”
Meanwhile, outbound market leaders like Thomas Cook and Kuoni said they are heartened that the rupee has now stabilised.
Read more in TTG Official Show Daily – ITB Asia
