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Indians get more holiday options for Christmas as countries ease rules

Surge in trips planned for Africa, Oman and UK with expansion of air travel bubbles

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In the past few weeks, countries including South Africa and Oman have opened doors to foreign tourists.

Aneesh Phadnis Mumbai
Over 80,000 Indians travelled to Dubai and 13,000 visited the Maldives in the past few months, encouraged by easy connectivity and relative safety. Limited travel options have been a factor, too, as both Dubai and Maldives opened for visitors in July.
 
But with the expansion of air travel bubbles and relaxations in visa and quarantine norms, Indians now have a wider choice for Christmas vacations. Indians are now planning trips to Africa, Oman, and the UK, too, according to travel companies.
 
“We have witnessed a 10 per cent surge in bookings for Egypt and Kenya. What is encouraging is that