Shot in the arm for travel to Europe as govt opens booster Covid-19 dose

While demand for foreign travel has picked up, customers keen on an European vacation faced a dilemma with several countries in the continent not accepting vaccine certificates older than 270 days

The Centre’s decision to start precautionary Covid-19 dose for all adults from Sunday will give a further impetus to leisure and business travel to Europe, according to travel companies.

Demand for overseas travel has picked up with an increase in bookings and queries. 

However, customers keen on an European vacation faced a dilemma with several countries in the continent not accepting vaccine certificates older than 270 days.

The ministry of external affairs had urged the health ministry to introduce booster doses to benefit such travellers. 

Finally, on Friday, the government announced a booster dose for all adults at private vaccination centres. 

The decision has elated the travel industry, which expects increased business this summer.

“The announcement could not have come at a better time as it coincides with the peak booking season for upcoming summer vacations. It opens up travel opportunities to far wider international destinations, especially in the long-haul segment. It will boost business across leisure, business travel and corporate MICE (meeting incentive conference exhibition) segments,” said Rajeev Kale, president and country head (holidays), Thomas Cook India.

“Demand for travel to Switzerland is strong. We have been receiving 20-30 calls daily from eager customers querying about the 270-day vaccination rule. Now, with the government allowing booster doses for all adults, it will surely benefit us. We will have a good year,” said Ritu Sharma, deputy director of Switzerland Tourism in India.

However, there is one challenge. The government allowed scheduled international flights from March 27 and this provides wider travel options for passengers. But international capacity is still limited and this means fewer seats and higher fares. 

Visas, too, are taking longer in case of certain countries due to higher demand. Embassies are requesting travel agents to apply early.

Daniel D’Souza, president & country head (holidays), SOTC Travel, said, “Travellers who have received the booster dose 6-9 months post the administration of the second vaccination, will be considered as fully vaccinated by European nations. This will certainly boost demand to the highly popular European sector with the added assurance of a hassle-free travel experience, thus adding thrust to the recovery process for the industry.” 

In the winter schedule of 2019, airlines operated 1,200 flights daily to/from India. 

The number of foreign carriers and destinations have dropped in the summer schedule of 2022. Direct flight connectivity has not been restored yet with Austria, Denmark, Italy, Spain and Sweden.

“Opening up booster doses for all adults is a good step. Airlines should also increase flights. An increase in seat availability will hopefully reduce fares. We expect normalcy in international travel this year,” said Guldeep Singh Sahni, former president of Outbound Tour Operators Association of India.