Tashkent, Bishkek becoming the new Pattaya for Indian travellers

Bangkok and Pattaya have long been the favourite destinations for companies who want to send employees on incentive tours abroad, but due to notorious night life and massage parlours in Thailand, the companies have now found new destination with the same entertainment services, but without negative associations. The new destinations for the corporates are the cities in Central Asia, including Tashkent capital of Uzbekistan; Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan; and Azerbaijan.

According to travel agents, these destinations are getting a lot of promotions in the past year. Travellers can enjoy all the facilities available in Bangkok and Pattaya in these countries, but without the nuisance encountered in Thailand. Moreover, the clubs and hotels are cheap in comparison to Thailand as these countries are trying to improve their tourism infrastructure. Being closer to Europe also give them another draw. Plus, distance also gives them advantage. For instance, a flight to Tashkent from Delhi takes just three hours.

Apart from that, the tour cost to Central Asia is also not much higher than a trip to Thailand. According to operators, a four-day trip to Bangkok costs nearly about Rs 50,000 per passenger, while a trip to these Central Asian country will cost about Rs 60,000. Corporate houses send their employees to incentive tours in which they are treated to night life, freedom, dance, and entertainment.