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| India’s travel |
In an era where travel is not just about destinations but experiences, the travel and tourism industry is witnessing a remarkable transformation. A recent insight shared by Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head of Holidays, MICE, Visa at Thomas Cook (India) Limited, sheds light on the evolving trends and surging demand in travel, particularly in the context of an extended holiday period created by the confluence of Holi and Good Friday. This unique opportunity has catalyzed a surge in travel demand, with an approximate 350% increase in bookings for both domestic and international destinations compared to last year.
Daniel D’Souza from SOTC Travel and Indiver Rastogi from Thomas Cook (India) and SOTC Travel share insights on the surge in travel interest around the Holi and Easter weekend. They’ve noticed a significant increase in travel, with bookings up by over 400% from last year. People are choosing cooler Indian destinations like Srinagar in Kashmir and McLeodganj in Himachal, as well as spiritual places like Varanasi and Ayodhya for their holiday plans. There’s also a big interest in nearby countries with easy visa processes or no visa requirements, like Vietnam, Thailand, and Dubai, plus destinations like Japan and South Korea for cherry blossom season.
Airfares have dropped by 6-10% for domestic trips and about 20% for short international trips, making travel more affordable. The introduction of visa-free entry to countries like Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Thailand has also boosted travel demand significantly. Adventure activities, wellness retreats, and premium stays are in high demand, showing a trend towards diverse and unique travel experiences. The overall message is clear: the desire to travel is strong among Indians, with a keen interest in exploring both domestic and international destinations, driven by favorable pricing and the ease of travel.
The Catalyst of Extended Holidays
The extended holiday period has emerged as a significant driver for the travel industry, encouraging travelers to plan longer, more leisurely vacations. By taking just three days off, travelers are availing themselves of a luxurious 9-day holiday, a fact that underscores the pent-up demand for travel experiences post-pandemic.Hot Destinations: From Cool Climes to Tropical Shores
Travel preferences are as diverse as they are dynamic, with the cool climates of Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand topping the domestic charts. Not far behind are the cultural and scenic hotspots of Rajasthan, Kerala, the North East, Goa, and the Andaman Islands. On the international front, the Indian subcontinent remains a favorite, with Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan leading the way. The short-haul outbound destinations of Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia, along with Middle Eastern gems like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the exotic locales of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, are witnessing high interest.Visa Policies: A Game-Changer
The easing of visa policies has significantly impacted travel preferences, with visa-free entry announcements for destinations like Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Thailand boosting demand by about 35%. Sri Lanka, in particular, has seen the maximum benefit, with a demand increase of 40%, followed closely by Malaysia and Thailand.A Spiritual and Adventure Travel Uptick
There is a notable uptick in spiritual travel, with destinations centered around the life and times of Lord Krishna—such as Barsana, Nandgaon, Mathura, and others—seeing increased interest. This resurgence of spiritual tourism is complemented by an adventurous spirit, with travelers combining their quest for spirituality with activities like white-water rafting and night trekking. Interestingly, this trend spans across demographics, with young Indians and families alike seeking a blend of darshan and adventure.The Rising Popularity of Domestic Cruises and Drivecations
Domestic cruises are basking in the limelight, enjoying a brisk demand increase of over 35% across various segments, including families, couples, millennials, and young professionals. The appeal of an all-inclusive vacation, free from the hassles of multiple check-ins and transfers, is unmistakable. Similarly, drivecations to offbeat destinations are gaining traction, offering short, accessible holidays to those looking to escape the city’s hustle and bustle.The insights from Thomas Cook (India) Limited paint a vivid picture of the current state of travel and tourism, characterized by a strong demand for diverse experiences, the impact of visa policies on travel decisions, and a shift towards combining spiritual and adventure travel. As the industry continues to adapt and evolve, the preferences and patterns emerging today will undoubtedly shape the future of travel. Whether it’s the serene heights of the Himalayas, the spiritual richness of India’s heartland, or the tropical paradise of the Indian Ocean islands, the desire for exploration and experience runs deep, signaling a robust recovery and promising future for the travel sector.
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