A travel trends prediction titled "How India Travels" by Booking.com shows that India's travel sector is witnessing unprecedented growth, particularly in the post-pandemic era, with travellers displaying remarkable spending habits. Projections indicate that by 2030, Indian travellers' total expenditure will surge to $410 billion, positioning India as the fourth largest global spender. This represents a substantial 173% increase from 2019, when Indian travellers collectively spent $150 billion, ranking India as the sixth largest global spender.
The report, "How India Travels" was jointly released by Booking.com and McKinsey & Company.
The report highlights how Indian travellers helped in the recovery of tourism in 2022, surpassing Asia and achieving 78% of 2019 levels while the continent reached 52%. Moreover, the number of trips by Indian travellers is predicted to jump from 2.3 billion in 2019 to an astounding 5 billion in 2030.
Indonesia: Indonesia is a large nation with many cultures and attractions. Indonesia has something for everyone, from Jakarta's hustle to Bali's beaches. Indonesia is best visited between June–September, during the dry season. Indians can get visa on arrival in Indonesia for stay of up to 30 days. For longer stays, travellers need to apply for a visa. (Image: Reuters)
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Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia at Booking.com, said that the Indian travellers' willingness to explore, make a unique opportunity for India's travel industry to provide attractive, personalised, and sustainable experiences.
Indian travellers are known for their spontaneity and typically plan trips mere 29 days in advance on. People in countries such as Japan (57 days) and the US (63 days), make meticulous plans ahead of travel. The report revealed that over 80% of Indian travellers highly value restaurant and room service options during their stays.
The demand for alternative accommodation like hostels, campsites, vacation rentals, and chalets is on the rise. Lesser-known destinations such as Varanasi, Gurugram, and Coimbatore are gaining traction in bookings, alongside enduring favourites like Manali, Shimla, and Lonavala. Unconventional locations like Panchgani, Madikeri, and Mount Abu are experiencing remarkable growth in demand in 2023.
Indian travellers are increasingly exploring international destinations, with Vietnam, Indonesia, and Nepal gaining prominence.
Digital and social media are are playing a significant role in shaping Indian travellers' interests, with 54% indicating a preference for destinations featured in movies or TV shows. Mega events like the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, the G20 Summit 2023, and music concerts like Lollapalooza act as compelling catalysts for travel.
The report noted that overall in 2022, 91% of Indian travelers cited YouTube as their preferred social media platform for travel inspiration, closely followed by Instagram, which appealed to 85% of Indian travellers.
(Edited by : Jerome Anthony)
