T3 speaks with the travel trade on the rising popularity of South America as the ideal holiday destination for Indian travelers looking for new experiences
The lesser known southern hemisphere of the USA has been successfully attracting large tourist footfall over the last few years from India. Having matured into a discerning traveller market, the Indian customer, as all research on trends has pointed out, is now looking for new and experiential travel. Although the attention South America is enjoying from India’s outbound traffic is so far largely from the FIT segment and an extension of the VFR segment whose itinerary is extended to include this region during their North America visits, Indian tour operators selling this destination are optimistic about further growth in it’s demand, having witnessed a steady rise in enquiries and bookings so far.
According to Medha Sampat, Owner, Knack, which represents Condor Travels in India, the growth in South America as a destination has been very encouraging in the past year. She attributed the increased curiosity about the region to a hunger for new destinations, varied experiences and the country’s unique offerings.
Gauri Jayaram, Regional Director – South Asia and Middle East, Globus Family of Brands, added that despite the base figures for South America being small compared to other long haul destinations like Canada and Australia, the response to South America as leisure destination has been very encouraging. “For instance, it is one of the few destinations where we have been posting a 20-30 per cent growth year on year for the past three to four years.
“Just like we have the domestic market graduating to international vacations, we have international travellers maturing to expand their horizons and experiences. But, apart from the organic growth from this segment, there is also improved flight connectivity and the presence of marketing offices from the region. South America also has an unmatched appeal with its unique history, cultural diversity, natural beauty and exotic appeal,” stated Jayaram.
Sampat revealed that South America’s most popular destinations among Indians include Rio, Iguassu Falls, Buenos Aires, El Calafate, Galapagos, Cusco, Lima, Sacred Valley, Macchu Picchu and Amazon. According to Jayaram, sales indicate a slight spike for Peru and Globus’s South American panorama vacations that include Argentina, Brazil and the Amazon region.
