Indian travelers seek new devotion, searches double in 2 years
Indian travelers are shaping the trajectory of both domestic and international tourism, marking a significant shift in travel patterns, reveals MakeMyTrip’s latest “India Travel Trends Report.” The report underscores a notable surge in travel frequency, preference for spiritual journeys, and evolving booking behaviors among Indian globetrotters.
Embracing spiritual journeys
One of the striking trends outlined in the report is the burgeoning interest in spiritual tourism, which has become a cornerstone of travel, particularly in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. MakeMyTrip records a staggering 585% surge in searches for Ayodhya in 2023, accompanied by substantial increases for destinations like Badrinath (343%) and Ujjain (359%). This surge signifies a profound inclination towards exploring destinations rich in religious and cultural significance.
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Domestic escapes and weekend getaways
Domestic travel is experiencing a renaissance, with weekend getaways emerging as the favored choice for Indian travelers seeking rejuvenation. Popular destinations like Jim Corbett, Ooty, and Munnar have witnessed a remarkable year-on-year surge, reflecting a 131% increase in search volumes for Jim Corbett alone. The convenience of these destinations, coupled with improved infrastructure, has propelled their popularity, attracting travelers from nearby metros.
Discretionary spend fuels travel boom
Indian travelers are not only journeying more frequently but are also allocating a significant portion of their discretionary income to travel. The report highlights a 25% increase in travelers embarking on more than three trips annually compared to 2019. This surge underscores the growing propensity among Indians to explore both familiar and uncharted destinations within the country.
Spontaneous domestic trips, planned international ventures
A distinctive feature of Indian travel behavior is the dichotomy between domestic and international bookings. While domestic trips witness a surge in spontaneous bookings, with 46% of flight bookings made within a week of travel, international travel follows a more planned trajectory. Over half of international flight bookings are made at least 15 days in advance, reflecting a meticulous approach to overseas travel planning.
Preference palette of Indian travelers
The report delves into the nuanced preferences of Indian travelers, shedding light on favored destinations, booking habits, and payment preferences. Dubai, Bangkok, and Singapore emerge as the top international destinations, with London, Toronto, and New York capturing attention as sought-after long-haul destinations. Interestingly, while two-thirds of domestic travelers prefer pre-selecting flight seats, this figure drops to 40% for international travel. Additionally, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has emerged as the preferred mode of payment, constituting 36% of all transactions.
The rise of travel gift cards and alternative accommodations
Intriguingly, the report unveils the rising popularity of travel gift cards, with weddings accounting for half of all gift card occasions. Moreover, hotels remain the preferred choice for accommodation, particularly among couples and family travelers. However, alternate accommodations witness a surge in interest, with homestays, apartments, and villas attracting larger groups, while hostels cater to the burgeoning solo traveler segment.
As Indian travelers continue to redefine the contours of tourism, their evolving preferences and behaviors are reshaping the global travel landscape. With a blend of spiritual odysseys, spontaneous escapes, and meticulous planning, Indian travelers are carving out a unique niche in the world of travel, heralding a new era of exploration and discovery.
