-The Booking.com report reveals that 77% of Indian travellers are planning to leverage long weekends to maximise their vacation days.
-Among the top searched domestic destinations this festive season are Udaipur, Goa, Puducherry, Jaipur, and Ooty.
– Destinations such as Dubai, Bangkok, Singapore, Tokyo, and Kuala Lumpur have seen a 50-100% increase in searches during the festive period.
As the festive season approaches, Indian travellers are gearing up for quick getaways and immersive experiences, fuelled by an optimistic year-round travel sentiment noticed among almost 86% Indian travellers. Booking.com, through its data insights, has observed emerging travel patterns that reflect not only the excitement for upcoming festivals but also a broader shift in how Indians are approaching travel in 2024. Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia at Booking.com, shares insights with T3 on these trends and more.
Year-Round Travel optimism with focus on immersive experiences
Beyond the festive period, Indian travellers are adopting a year-round travel mindset, with a significant 86% expressing travel optimism. This shift is driven by a desire for more immersive experiences, with travellers increasingly seeking cultural, music, and sporting events. Kumar notes, “Besides sight-seeing, the focus is shifting towards immersive experiences with music, sports, and cultural events gaining traction.” Indeed, 25% of travellers are interested in cultural events, 22% in music festivals, and 17% in live sporting events, as per the latest Booking.com insights.
Moreover, 70% of Indian travellers are looking for mindful getaways, signalling an uptick in searches for spiritual and wellness destinations. This focus on self-reconnection and mental well-being is emerging as a key trend in travel, aligning with the growing interest in wellness tourism.
Booking.com’s platform is designed to meet these evolving demands, as per Kumar, providing travellers with seamless options to plan and book flights, accommodations, and activities all in one place. “We empower Indian travellers to seamlessly plan and book all key aspects of their journey, eliminating the need to navigate multiple websites and apps,” he adds.
Emerging destinations this festive season
As Diwali approaches this month, Indians are gearing up to make the most of extended weekends, seeking enriching experiences. Whether it’s a quick getaway to recharge, an immersive dive into India’s rich culture, or reconnecting with loved ones back home, travel is a top priority. The Booking.com report reveals that 77% of Indian travellers are planning to leverage long weekends to maximise their vacation days.
Several destinations across India are gaining significant traction for Diwali and the festive season beyond. Among the top searched domestic destinations are Udaipur, Goa, Puducherry, Jaipur, and Ooty. Kumar says that these locations offer unique experiences that appeal to different types of travellers. “Udaipur, Jaipur, and Varanasi are seeing increased interest due to their rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance. Udaipur, in particular, has seen a 220% uptick in searches for the Diwali season, becoming one of the most sought-after destinations for its regal charm and festive spirit,” he stated.
With busy schedules, Indian travellers are also opting for short, rejuvenating trips to cooler hill stations such as Ooty, Munnar, Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, and Kodaikanal. For those seeking coastal relaxation, Puducherry, Goa, and Varkala are the most popular choices, which appeal to travellers looking to unwind and enjoy some beachside leisure during the festive season, says Kumar.
International travel on the rise; more than three-fourth Indians leveraging long weekends
While domestic travel remains a key focus during the festive season, there has been a significant uptick in international travel bookings as well. According to Booking.com, destinations such as Dubai, Bangkok, Singapore, Tokyo, and Kuala Lumpur have seen a 50-100% increase in searches during this period. The trend reflects the increased accessibility of international destinations for Indian travellers, thanks to relaxed visa regulations, better flight connectivity, and affordable travel packages.
Kumar highlights that Indian travellers are capitalising on the several extended weekends during the festive season to maximise their vacation days. With over 77% of Indian globetrotters (more than three-fourth) choosing quick international getaways, it’s evident they are eager to maximise their travel opportunities. “2024 is the year where travel isn’t a means to escape life, but travel is life itself. Indian travellers are capitalising on the opportunity to venture out for quick getaways and make the most of the several extended weekends during the festive season,” he shares.
This growing interest in international travel aligns with India’s trajectory as a global travel spender. By 2030, India is expected to become the fourth-largest travel spender in the world, with travel expenditure projected to increase from USD 150 billion in 2019 to USD 410 billion. The rise in disposable incomes, a young and middle-class population, and shifting preferences for immersive travel experiences are contributing to this trend, Kumar asserts.
