TRAVEL enthusiasts from Nagpur planning overseas vacations for the upcoming Diwali and Christmas holidays are demonstrating a dramatic shift in their preferred holiday destinations. For years, the Middle East and traditional European destinations were top picks for local tourists. However, evolving global dynamics have prompted tourists in the city to visit Southeast Asian and neighbouring Asian destinations. Local travel operators attribute this marked change primarily to current geopolitical tensions, which have disrupted flight routes and significantly driven up airfares across several European nations, including Germany, England, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Confirming the trend, Alok Vaidya, a leading city-based travel agent, noted that airfares to prominent European destinations have spiked by 25 to 30 per cent in recent months.

 

“The steep rise in travel expenses is disturbing the carefully planned budgets of many travellers,” Vaidya explained. In contrast, the tourists are finding appealing, budget-friendly alternatives in Southeast Asia and East Asia, with destinations like Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Cambodia, Singapore, and Malaysia rapidly climbing to the top of booking lists. Neighbouring Sri Lanka and Bhutan are also emerging as major choices for Nagpurians. Vaidya added that many of these Asian nations are actively rolling out attractive schemes, simplified entry processes, and tourism promotions to entice Indian travellers. The slump is not limited to Europe alone. Vedant Sarda, another prominent local travel agent, highlighted a sharp decline in transatlantic bookings.

 

“The number of travellers heading to the US has dropped significantly, largely due to stringent visa restrictions and prolonged waiting periods,” Sarda observed, adding that inquiries for Western countries have hit an all-time low this season. Safety concerns and flight reliability are also influencing decisions. Nilesh Khade, a city-based air travel operator, pointed out that lingering geopolitical uncertainty in parts of the Middle East has created an element of hesitation among travellers, who fear sudden flight cancellations or itinerary changes. “Southeast Asian countries offer complete peace of mind with no such fears,” Khade said. “Besides being far more affordable, these nations offer pleasant climatic conditions during the winter and holiday season, which plays a crucial role in pulling travellers toward these vibrant spots,” he added. With hassle-free visa policies, competitive airfares, and rich cultural experiences, Southeast Asia is clearly winning over Nagpur’s holiday crowd this festive season.