admin The Indian travel landscape has significantly altered, so claims the recent famous report, “How India Travels”. Launched as a partnership between Booking.com and McKinsey & Company, this research unveils a rise in the travel sector of the country. The comprehensive report anticipates that Indian travelers are poised to make substantial investments in their journeys, catapulting India into the position of the fourth-largest global spender in travel by 2030, with an estimated expenditure of $410 billion. This projection marks a phenomenal 173 per cent increase from 2019, when Indian travelers collectively spent $150 billion, securing India’s place as the sixth-largest global spender.
What Drives This Travel Spurt?
The travel industry’s resilience and India’s traveler spirit played a pivotal role in the recovery of the global tourism industry. In 2022, Indian travelers remarkably surpassed Asia, reaching 78 percent of 2019 travel levels, while the continent managed only 52 per cent. The report envisions a remarkable escalation in the number of trips embarked upon by Indian travelers, skyrocketing from 2.3 billion in 2019 to an impressive 5 billion by 2030.
Indian travelers exhibit unique characteristics that set them apart. Their spontaneity is exemplified in their average trip planning window, a mere 29 days, a significantly shorter timeframe than even Japan (57 days) and the USA (63 days). Furthermore, the availability of restaurant and room service options during their stays takes precedence in their travel habits, with over 80 per cent valuing culinary convenience, highlighting their desire for hassle-free and enjoyable dining experiences on the road.
But their distinctiveness doesn’t end there. Indian travelers are progressively opting for alternative accommodation options like hostels, campsites, vacation rentals, and chalets. They seek lodging experiences that transcend conventional hotel stays, reflecting an unquenchable thirst for diverse and unconventional travel experiences.
Travel, But Where To?
In addition, Indian travelers are gravitating toward off-the-beaten-path destinations and international escapades. Even small cities like Coimbatore, Varanasi, and Gurugram, are witnessing a rise in bookings, signaling an increasing interest in exploring less touristy locales.
On the international front, destinations like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Nepal are capturing the imagination of Indian travelers. Influences for their travel choices span the spectrum, from media, with TV shows and Indian cinema leaving an indelible mark, to mega events like the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and the G20 Summit 2023, which serve as compelling catalysts. Social media platforms, particularly YouTube and Instagram, play a pivotal role in shaping their travel plans, underscoring the diverse range of sources that inspire Indian travelers’ choices.
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