Russian holiday vaccine seekers’ and travel industry’s best shot

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Russian holiday vaccine seekers’ and travel industry’s best shot

Shariq.Majeed@timesgroup.com

Ludhiana:21.05.2021

Vaccine tourists fly to Russia amid shortage at home, even as Sputnik lands. Booking queries for the combo package of Russian holiday and shots exceed the frequency of flights, so wait until May-end and hope for this second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic to subside.

Micro and small travel agent association president Gurpreet Chawla said: "The Russia package includes shots of Sputnik V for the 18-plus, with certificate, besides 24-night stay in a 4-star hotel with breakfast. The client can downgrade or upgrade, and add extra meals, sightseeing, and chauffer service. But the two weekly direct flights are full."

A prominent tour company’s sales head, Rakesh Sharma, said: “We hope it will be better after May. Besides Ludhiana, other cities are also calling in. Mostly, those are families and groups, as the sharing price is cheaper than the Rs 30,000-to-40,000 cost for singles.” There are also Rs 80,000 and Rs 1.25 lakh packages. Local facilitators in Russia have a tie-up with its government clinics but boarding the flight takes RTPCR negative report not more than 72 hours old.

Travel agent Sanjay Mehra said it was lockdown in almost all international destinations, while Russia was open. The package includes daily breakfast in hotel, airport-to-hotel transfer, two doses of Sputnik with certificate, two pre-vaccination medical check-ups, all transfers and doctor’s visit with English-speaking guide, invitation letter for tourist or medical visa (subject to approval), Russian Visa fee (also subject to approval). Extra meal costs Rs 950 and includes continental buffet and Indian food. Mehra launched the combo offer with seven bookings.

Since Sputnik V has arrived in India, many travel agents see their business opportunity waning.

A local travel agent said: “The Russian vaccine is expected to be available in India soon but since people haven’t been able to go out for long, they might prefer our package." Russian health and disease-control regulations since April 28 require all passengers from India to be tested for Covid-19 after passing immigration. They need no wait at the airport to get the result.