Elections give an extended weekend to travellers

As 92 constituencies across 14 states and Union territories go in for polling today, a large number of people have found an opportunity to pack their bags and use the extended weekend for a quick getaway. Travel companies are witnessing a 30 per cent rise in the bookings for the coming weekend which starts with election on Thursday and ends with Ambedkar Jayanti and Baisakhi on Monday.

"There is always a spurt in bookings when there is an extended weekend. Mostly people are going for nearby destinations, but many others are opting for places such as Dubai, Bangkok and Thailand," said Sanjay Bhasin, chief executive officer, Goibibo.com.

While Kashmir and Goa are the biggest draw for travellers, destinations like Hrishikesh, Jaipur and Agra are a big sell in northern India while down south Coorg, Ooty, Kodaikanal etc are seeing a surge in demand. "We are running promotions of up to 50 per cent off on hotel bookings for domestic travel. Compared to a normal weekend there is a huge increase in demand this week," said Sharat Dhall, president, Yatra.com.