Vineet Srivastava, Founder & Director, Yorker Holidays Pvt. Ltd., shares his insights on evolving traveller preferences, emerging demand trends and how Yorker Holidays is supporting the travel trade in promoting cruises across India.
Gunjan Sabikhi
How is the Indian outbound cruise traveller evolving, and which cruise products or destinations are currently seeing the strongest demand from India?
The Indian outbound cruise traveller has evolved significantly over the last few years. Cruises are no longer viewed only as luxury holidays but as value-driven, all-inclusive experiences suitable for families, honeymooners, millennials, and multi-generational groups. Demand is particularly strong for Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the Mediterranean, Alaska, and the Middle East. Short-duration cruises and fly-cruise packages are witnessing exceptional growth due to better connectivity and increased awareness among Indian travellers.
In light of the current geopolitical unrest, rising airfares and the recent appeal by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on avoiding unnecessary foreign travel, how do you see outbound cruise demand being impacted?
While geopolitical factors and rising airfares may temporarily influence destination choices, the overall demand for cruise holidays remains resilient. Travellers are becoming more selective and value-conscious, preferring destinations that offer better connectivity, safety, and overall experience. We expect a shift toward nearby cruise markets in Asia and the Middle East rather than a decline in demand. The cruise segment continues to attract travellers seeking unique and immersive holiday experiences.
How is your organisation working with the travel trade to make cruise holidays more relevant, accessible and easier to sell for Indian travellers?
At Yorker Holidays, we are committed to strengthening the cruise segment through continuous engagement with the travel trade. We regularly conduct training sessions, webinars, product presentations, and trade events to educate travel partners about cruise products, itineraries, inclusions and selling opportunities.
The recent launch of our dedicated Cruise Portal further simplifies the booking process by providing real-time inventory, competitive pricing, and comprehensive cruise information. Our focus remains on empowering travel agents with the right tools, knowledge, and support to confidently promote and sell cruise holidays across India. We believe that a well-informed travel partner plays a key role in making cruise holidays more accessible and attractive for Indian travellers.
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