Despite the economic downturn, tourism is doing well. However, with budget resorts as an option, the resort culture in India is getting redefined. suchayan mandal checks it out
Resorts, a term used to define a luxury holiday and leisure getaways, also has a sting in its tail ~ a hole in the pocket. But then, with changing times, this resort culture has transformed. With budget resorts at not-so-known destinations, middle class travel enthusiasts are feeling a fresh breath of air.
Aditi Balbir, co-founder of V Resorts, which offers budget packages at offbeat places in north India points out, "With the state of the economy being what it is, continuous inflation and the falling rupee, we see an increase in domestic travel as people prefer to take Indian holidays instead of travelling abroad. In fact, Diwali weekend was a high demand period for us."
Holiday trends are changing and simultaneously shaping vacations. Value vacations are preferred these days. So, there is a need to provide the customer with more choice of locations and standard but required services rather than expensive frills such as mini bars and multi-cuisine restaurants.
"As short breaks get more popular, one requires proximity and choice around various metros," adds Balbir, who has resorts at Sattal, Corbett National Park, Ramgarh, Pauri, Almora and Narkanda.
New destinations are being developed as people, tired of Goa, Mussoorie and Rishikesh, are opting for offbeat areas that offer more choices. Therefore, from a few 5-Star resorts located in well-explored destinations such as Shimla and Mussoorie, one sees changing preference of domestic customers to smaller resorts, located at offbeat and unexplored destinations and with limited but standardised services.
With too many options in hand, promoting proper budget resorts among tourists is undoubtedly difficult. Internet plays the best role, feel many resort owners. "To provide creditability and full information about such places, we give guarantee of cash back if customers find our places different from what is given on our website," said Balbir.
For instance, a quaint cottage with breathtaking view of Churadhar range (inner Himalayas), a lush green rolling valley and the sun rising from behind the hills is a paradise that gets unplugged at Narkanda, 44 km from Shimla. A fantastic apple and cherry orchard will bring back the salad days of curling up in an armchair on the balcony, listening to the sound of the birds and savouring freshly picked fruits. The wooden floors of the room exude an old world charm and give the feeling of a typical local “Himachali cottage”. There are six cottages, which make it very private and the number is just perfect in the evening when you sit around the bonfire strumming your "first real six strings". Summer of '69 might be a far fetched dream, but romance with country hens will definitely arouse a unique sensation in the taste buds during dinner. It’s also a skier’s paradise during winters. With loads of adventure sports like rappelling, rock climbing and Flying Fox, the budget resorts offer something different from boutique hotels and stars.
A competitive room tariff is something that makes the budget resorts a "dream come true" for the people who want a break from work but have a budget fixed for everything.
Aditi Balbir, co-founder of V Resorts, which offers budget packages at offbeat places in north India points out, "With the state of the economy being what it is, continuous inflation and the falling rupee, we see an increase in domestic travel as people prefer to take Indian holidays instead of travelling abroad. In fact, Diwali weekend was a high demand period for us."
Holiday trends are changing and simultaneously shaping vacations. Value vacations are preferred these days. So, there is a need to provide the customer with more choice of locations and standard but required services rather than expensive frills such as mini bars and multi-cuisine restaurants.
"As short breaks get more popular, one requires proximity and choice around various metros," adds Balbir, who has resorts at Sattal, Corbett National Park, Ramgarh, Pauri, Almora and Narkanda.
New destinations are being developed as people, tired of Goa, Mussoorie and Rishikesh, are opting for offbeat areas that offer more choices. Therefore, from a few 5-Star resorts located in well-explored destinations such as Shimla and Mussoorie, one sees changing preference of domestic customers to smaller resorts, located at offbeat and unexplored destinations and with limited but standardised services.
With too many options in hand, promoting proper budget resorts among tourists is undoubtedly difficult. Internet plays the best role, feel many resort owners. "To provide creditability and full information about such places, we give guarantee of cash back if customers find our places different from what is given on our website," said Balbir.
For instance, a quaint cottage with breathtaking view of Churadhar range (inner Himalayas), a lush green rolling valley and the sun rising from behind the hills is a paradise that gets unplugged at Narkanda, 44 km from Shimla. A fantastic apple and cherry orchard will bring back the salad days of curling up in an armchair on the balcony, listening to the sound of the birds and savouring freshly picked fruits. The wooden floors of the room exude an old world charm and give the feeling of a typical local “Himachali cottage”. There are six cottages, which make it very private and the number is just perfect in the evening when you sit around the bonfire strumming your "first real six strings". Summer of '69 might be a far fetched dream, but romance with country hens will definitely arouse a unique sensation in the taste buds during dinner. It’s also a skier’s paradise during winters. With loads of adventure sports like rappelling, rock climbing and Flying Fox, the budget resorts offer something different from boutique hotels and stars.
A competitive room tariff is something that makes the budget resorts a "dream come true" for the people who want a break from work but have a budget fixed for everything.
No comments:
Post a Comment