Indian travellers are setting new trends in both domestic and international tourism, driven by higher disposable incomes and better access to travel information. They are venturing beyond traditional destinations, driven by a desire for unique experiences and facilitated by advancements in technology.
Favored Locations and Emerging Hotspots
Traditional favourite destinations like Dubai, Bangkok, and Singapore continue to attract a large number of Indian tourists. However, there is a growing interest in exploring new places such as Hong Kong, Almaty, Paro, Baku, Da Nang, and Tbilisi, which have seen a significant increase in searches.
Spiritual and Family Travel
There is a notable rise in travel to spiritual sites, particularly from tier-2 and tier-3 cities, with a 97% increase in searches for such destinations over the past two years. Family travel has surged by 64% in 2023, showing a strong preference for group travel among Indians.
Insights into Flight and Accommodation Choices
Flights: Most domestic flight bookings are for daytime travel. About 46% of domestic flights are booked spontaneously, less than a week before departure. International flight bookings are usually made at least two weeks in advance, indicating a more planned approach to overseas travel.
Accommodations: The trend for last-minute bookings is also seen in hotel reservations, with the majority of domestic bookings made within a week of travel. In contrast, international accommodations are often booked 30 days in advance.
Alternative Accommodations
The demand for alternative lodging like hostels, apartments, and villas has grown, with a 24% increase in bookings in 2023. Budget-conscious travellers prefer accommodations costing under INR 2,500 per night, while family travellers are more likely to book more expensive properties.
Changing Trends in Travel Payments
UPI has emerged as the preferred payment method for nearly 40% of all bookings, reflecting the convenience and ease of digital transactions. Credit cards remain popular for higher-value bookings such as international flights and hotels, likely due to the additional benefits they offer.
These evolving trends underscore a significant shift in how Indians plan, book, and experience travel. MakeMyTrip's insights help industry stakeholders understand these changes and adapt to meet the new demands of Indian travellers.
