Airlines go for packages
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Domestic and international airlines are offering travel packages to flyers that cover not only tickets but also hotel bookings and local conveyance.The Telegraph said cash-strapped Air India, for instance, has pushed for packages to stay afloat.According to a senior Air India official, “We are trying to offer packages throughout the year. Summer still is one of the busiest travel seasons; so there are assured footfalls. Package services do add 20 per cent or more bookings for the entire season.””We will in the next few months try and launch eight packages targeting business travellers who look forward to the one-stop shop concept and web-based travel and stay plan,” the official had said on the condition of anonymity.IndiGo offers nearly 150 packages for 30 destinations, which include religious, business and leisure tours. Hotel chains have also shown an interest, with Accor Group, Fortune, Sarovar, The Pride and Lemon Tree joining the IndiGo service.”In the competitive environment, customers have many options to choose from. It is this demand in the market that has led various airlines to offer customised packages for an overall holiday experience,” said Orhan Abbas, vice-president (India and Nepal) of Emirates Airline.Many foreign airlines have started packages specifically for Indians to increase the influx of tourists to their respective countries, the report said. Air Arabia is offering customised tours for Indian travellers to Kenya.”The driving force behind these moves is that all airlines want their carriers to fly full capacity. The concept of packaging has evolved in the past four years. Thanks to them, even after giving tickets at discounted prices, airlines are able to recover operating costs,” P.R. Srinivas, leader (travel, hospitality and tourism), Deloitte India, was quoted saying.”They also help an airline in enhancing the brand image and increase the market share. They are even able to earn marginal revenues from packages.”
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