Seizing the Long Weekends: A Travel Surge Across India

The Buzz Around Long Weekends

As the upcoming long weekends for Holi (March 25) and Good Friday (March 29) approach, India is witnessing a palpable surge in travel enthusiasm. Online travel platforms report a significant uptick in bookings, indicating a growing trend towards short vacations and weekend getaways.

Insights from Industry Leaders

According to Nishant Pitti, CEO and co-founder of EaseMyTrip, an online travel aggregator, there has been a five-fold increase in bookings on their platform. Prahlad Krishnamurthi, chief business officer at OTA Cleartrip, highlights a notable 16 percent increase in domestic flight bookings compared to the festive period in 2023.

Rising Interest in Domestic Travel

OTA ixigo reports a staggering 46 percent surge in flight searches for Holi travel. Moreover, domestic fares for popular routes have witnessed a sharp rise of 25 to 30 percent in the last week of March, as noted by Aloke Bajpai, chairman and managing director.

Diverse Travel Demands

Daniel D’souza, president and country head of SOTC Travel, observes a surge not only from metros but also from regional Tier II and III cities. He emphasizes the emergence of air-inclusive holidays and drivecations as popular choices among travellers.

Trends in Adventure and Cultural Travel

Adventure travel is experiencing a surge in interest, with unique experiences like camel races and the traditional Lathmar Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan gaining popularity. Emerging destinations such as Ahmedabad and Kodaikanal, along with cultural hubs like Jaipur and Anandpur Sahib, are also drawing significant attention.

Destination Preferences

Consumer data from Thomas Cook and SOTC reveal a growing interest in outdoor and adventure travel, including biking trips, camping, trekking, and safaris. For leisure trips, destinations like Goa, Srinagar, Guwahati, and Port Blair continue to be popular choices.

Hotel Bookings on the Rise

MakeMyTrip (MMT) highlights Udaipur, Jaipur, Puri, and Varanasi as the top destinations for hotel bookings after Goa. Additionally, Srinagar, Katra, Coorg, and Ooty are emerging as preferred destinations, with a significant year-on-year growth in bookings.

 Embracing the Travel Spirit

With the allure of long weekends and a plethora of travel options, Indians are embracing the opportunity to explore new destinations and experiences. As the travel industry witnesses a surge in demand, it’s evident that the spirit of adventure and discovery is alive and thriving.