The Indian rupee has fallen significantly against Euro and the USD, making travel to these countries very unaffordable for travellers. Instead of spending fortunes on their trips to Europe and the US, they are now looking at budget-friendly destinations which do not burn a hole in their pockets.
However, even as the rupee turns weaker, the holiday spirit among people remains high who are now looking at places like Vietnam, Bhutan, Dubai and Sri Lanka to spend quality time with their loved ones.
Tour operators say...
While talking to News Ei Samay, tour operator Jaydeep Mukherjee who owns travel agency 'Meghdutam Travels' in Kolkata echoed how difficult it has become both for travellers and agencies with the rupee hitting a record low.
"We plan the itineraries with our valued customers at least 3-4 months in advance because the visa process for these countries takes a lot of time. With the USD within Rs 80 to Rs 81 range, we as travel agencies keep a profit margin of 10-15% and then finalise the plan," said Mukherjee.
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He added, "A lot of meticulous planning goes into planning details like hotels, sightseeing, entry tickets, tour guides, internal transportation and then we frame a budget which is approved by customers. As of December 27, one USD was trading around Rs 89.81. This has hiked the budget of customers by nearly 20-25%."
A lot of high-end customers choose to go to places like Manhattan, Switzerland and Canada this time of the year because of their extremely popular Christmas celebrations and skiing. "With the rupee falling, things get very distasteful for everyone involved. Although there are places like Dubai, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Bhutan, there is a different excitement and zeal among people to visit European countries during the end of year.
Nothing compares to the drop of the ball in Manhattan on Christmas or skiing in the Alps!" added Mukherjee, who has been working closely with customers for the past 25 years.
Travellers narrate...
According to Ajay Nair, who resides in Behala and works at a reputed bank in Kolkata, the fall of rupee made him think twice before choosing to go to Europe.
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"Since the rupee is falling, you will have to pay more for tickets, meals, transport and shopping. When we choose holidays, budget is definitely the main factor which is the reason now a lot of people are choosing Asian countries like Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand where rupee is king."
"Vietnam has beautiful beaches, good food, nightlife and you can shop there to your heart's content unlike in European countries where you will have to think twice before buying even a souvenir for your friends back home," added Ajay.
"This is the reason I decided to go to Vietnam with my wife. Generally, we take a trip every year. Now let's see where we go to next year," said Ajay.
Rate on December 27, 2025
As of December 27, USD stands at Rs 89.81, Dirham at Rs 24.44, Thai Baht equals Rs 2.89, Vietnamese dong at Rs 0.00034 and SriLankan Rupee equals Rs 0.29.
