As travel becomes an integral part of Indian lifestyles, Wowtickets.com, a UK-based flight booking platform recently launched in India, unveils insights into Indians’ favorite domestic destinations. Analysing data from 36 million travellers nationwide, Wowtickets.com sheds light on the top 15 travel destinations preferred by Indians, reflecting the nation’s diverse interests and rich cultural heritage.
Wowtickets.com conducted a search survey nationally to gather insights about the cities and routes that Indians love travelling in India and the results show that Goa, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Srinagar are the top 5 destinations.
India’s passion for travel is evident, with bustling airports like Delhi and Mumbai ranking among the world’s busiest. With a thriving travel and tourism sector, India’s GDP growth has paved the way for enhanced infrastructure and transportation, catering to the evolving preferences of travellers seeking unique experiences.
Top destinations nationwide
Among the top 15 destinations, Goa emerges as the most sought-after destination, drawing travellers with its beaches and vibrant culture. Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Srinagar follow closely, catering to both leisure and professional travelers.
Regional preferences
Regional variations in travel preferences are apparent, with Mumbaikars favoring destinations like Goa and Delhi, while Delhiites show a penchant for Goa, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Similarly, travellers from Bengaluru and Hyderabad exhibit preferences for key metropolitan cities and scenic locales.
Unique search patterns
Interestingly, travellers also explored unconventional routes, indicating a growing appetite for offbeat travel experiences. Searches from Lucknow to Gangtok, Mumbai to Leh, and Srinagar to Mumbai highlight the diverse interests of Indian travellers.
Dmitrijus Konovalovas, Director & CEO, Wowtickets.com, emphasises India’s burgeoning tourism sector, poised to become a key player in the global market. “The travel industry in India is experiencing rapid growth, poised to become a significant player in the global tourism market. Predictions indicate that by 2023, the global tourism market will reach a value of USD 16.9 trillion, with India’s tourism sector making substantial contributions. This is largely driven by the enthusiastic travel aspirations of India’s youth, who prioritize exploration and adventure. As Indians increasingly explore destinations within their own country, domestic tourism receives a significant boost, further fueling the nation’s tourism growth,” he said.
The campaign aims to instill aspiration among Indian travellers and establish a loyal customer base with travel agencies based on the total number of passengers booked within the specified timeline. Scheduled to run for four months, from February to June 2024, the campaign seeks to capitalise on the growing interest in travel to Kenya among Indian tourists.
According to a report from Crisil, the travel and tourism sector in India is projected to experience a growth rate of 12–14 per cent in the coming years. India’s GDP growth has helped the travel and tourism sector thrive due to advancements in infrastructure and transportation, catering to the evolving preferences of younger travellers who seek memorable and unique experiences. In 2023, experts anticipate that the travel and tourism industry will generate approximately USD 9.5 trillion in revenue. Furthermore, projections suggest that by 2030, the global tourism market will soar to USD 16.9 trillion, with an average annual growth rate of 5.4 per cent from 2022 to 2030. During this period, the Asia-Pacific region is poised to experience the most substantial growth compared to other regions.
The top 15 most searched Indian destinations that Mumbaikars want to travel nationally.
Goa, Delhi, Bengaluru, Srinagar, Chennai, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Jaipur, Lucknow, Varanasi, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Dehra Dun, Patna, and Hyderabad.
Total searches were 31.86 lakh.
- The top 15 most searched Indian destinations that Delhiites want to travel to nationally
Goa, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Srinagar, Pune, Patna, Kolkata, Leh, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Guwahati, Bagdogra, Kochi, Bhubaneswar
Total searches were 35.09 lakh. - The top 15 destinations Bengaluru wants to travel nationally
Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Kolkata, Pune, Lucknow, Patna, Ahmedabad, Ranchi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Bhubaneswar, Bagdogra, Guwahati
Total searches were 24.86 lakh. - The top 15 most searched Indian destinations that Hyderabadis want to travel to nationally
Delhi, Goa, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata, Jaipur, Kochi, Vishakhapatnam, Chennai, Tirupati, Varanasi, Srinagar, Ahmedabad, Coimbatore, Chandigarh.
Total searches were 10.98 lakh. - The top 15 destinations Chennai travelers searched nationally.
Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Port,Blair, Goa, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Coimbatore, Pune, Kochi, Guwahati, Madurai, Patna, Srinagar
Total searches were 90.5 lakh. - The top 15 destinations Kolkata travelers searched nationally.
Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Guwahati, Bagdogra, Port Blair, Goa, Hyderabad, Chennai, Srinagar, Ahmedabad, Agartala, Jaipur, Bhubaneswar
Total searches were 10.97 lakh.
Indians also searched for some strange locations where there were no direct flights or fewer flights available:
Lucknow to Gangtok, Lucknow to Puducherry, Mumbai to Leh, Pune to Goa, Srinagar to Mumbai and Delhi to Shirdi, Deoghar to Kochi, Lucknow to Imphal, Agra to Jaipur, Gaya to Chennai and Nasik to Varanasi
Total searches were 10.97 lakh.
In terms of overall tourist numbers, Indonesia welcomed a staggering 11.67 million visitors in 2023, almost double the number in 2022. Bali alone received 5.23 million visitors, accounting for nearly half of Indonesia’s total tourism arrivals. To boost arrivals from India, plans for Vistara direct flights from Bombay and strengthening Delhi departures are in the pipeline.
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Agoda, the leading digital travel platform, has kickstarted the new year by revealing the top five emerging destinations in India through its “New Horizons List.” Analyzing year-on-year search data, Agoda identified Ahmedabad, Kodaikanal, Mahabaleshwar, Ooty, and Kochi as the cities witnessing significant growth in traveller interest.
India’s New Horizons List
1. Ahmedabad: 44 per cent increase in searches
2. Kodaikanal: 35 per cent increase in searches
3. Mahabaleshwar: 22 per cent increase in searches
4. Ooty: 21 per cent increase in searches
5. Kochi: 19 per cent increase in searches
Ahmedabad Tops the Charts
Ahmedabad, the financial hub of Gujarat, claimed the top spot with a remarkable 44 per cent increase in searches year-on-year. Home to the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue, Ahmedabad’s rich cultural and culinary heritage has made it increasingly popular among Indian travellers. The city’s hosting of the 2023 Cricket World Cup further boosted its appeal.
The New Horizons List is dominated by picturesque nature destinations, with Kodaikanal experiencing a 35 per cent increase in searches. Hill stations Mahabaleshwar and Ooty witnessed a rise of 22 per cent and 21 per cent, respectively. Kodaikanal’s unspoiled natural beauty, Mahabaleshwar’s sweeping hill vistas, and Ooty’s captivating colonial-era ambiance and tea plantations are attracting growing attention.
Kochi, a vibrant port city in Kerala, secured the fifth spot with a 19 per cent increase in searches. Known for seamlessly converging history and modernity, Kochi remains a favorite among travelers for its Dutch and Portuguese architecture, vibrant food and spice markets, and traditional cultural experiences.
GoMMT, the owner of Goibibo and MakeMyTrip, has secured the top spot for the sixth consecutive year, showcasing its unwavering influence in the Indian subcontinent. Booking.com and Agoda retained their second and third positions, consistently holding their ground from the previous year. TravelGuru exhibited notable growth by climbing two spots to secure the fourth position, while Expedia slightly receded to the fifth spot in the ranking.
Exciting Year Ahead for Indian Travellers
Krishna Rathi, Country Director India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives at Agoda, expressed, “2023 has proven to be a great year for travel in India. Agoda’s Year-on-Year search data highlighted growth across domestic, inbound, and outbound travel. The New Horizons list features quite a few hill stations and some bustling cities with a mix of food, culture, and interesting activities. As the new year begins, we are excited to see the trends that will shape the preferences of Indian travelers.”The emerging destinations on the New Horizons List present an exciting opportunity for travellers to discover new facets of India.
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As 2023 draws to a close, Skyscanner, the leading global travel marketplace, takes a moment to reflect on a year filled with exciting adventures and groundbreaking developments in the world of travel. Taking a retrospective look at the year 2023, Skyscanner highlighted the travel patterns and preferences of Indian travellers. From popular destinations to budget-friendly options and evolving features, here’s a breakdown of the insights gained from Skyscanner’s Year in Travel report.
Top Spots for Indian Travellers in 2023
Dubai secured its position as the most sought-after international destination for Indian travellers in 2023. Renowned for its modern extravagance, artificial islands, mega malls, and majestic skyscrapers, the city captivated Indian travellers with its gleaming charm.
Bangkok claimed the second spot among international destinations, offering a blend of bustling markets, ornate temples like Wat Pho, and vibrant nightlife along Khao San Road. The city’s energy and cultural richness resonated with Indian travellers throughout the year.
Cheapest Flights, Hotels & Car Hire of 2023?
Skyscanner data identified Jagdalpur in India as the cheapest flight destination, with an average return flight cost of just INR 3,035 in 2023. The trend also showed a rising preference for alternative, budget-friendly Indian cities that promise rich cultural experiences.
The data further revealed Nha Trang in Vietnam as the most economical city for a three-star hotel stay, offering picturesque coastal beauty and cultural heritage. For car rentals, Doha in Qatar emerged as the city with the cheapest offerings, with Indian travellers paying only INR 2,198/day on average.
Additionally, there was a notable 25 per cent increase in women travellers, showcasing a growing inclination towards solo female travel. The company reported a 60 per cent surge in travellers exploring the seven northeastern states, demonstrating a diverse range of travel preferences among users. There was also a 10 per cent increase in travellers below the age of 10 and a 12 per cent increase in those above 60.
Travel Trends and Insights
Mohit Joshi, Skyscanner’s Travel Trends and Destination Expert, commented on the emerging trends, stating, “Indians have embraced global exploration despite tightened budgets. The Travel Trends 2024 report indicates that the value of experiences and cultural exploration will be key considerations for Indian travellers in the coming year.”The report predicts Nice in France as a great-value destination in 2024, with airfares dropping significantly over the past 12 months. Additionally, it foresees Indian travellers heading abroad to attend live performances by their favorite artists, with a significant percentage expressing willingness to travel for short-haul and long-haul concerts.
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Holidu, the prominent holiday rental portal, has unveiled its comprehensive Food City Destination Index, providing a deep dive into the culinary scenes of 75 cities worldwide. The study, commissioned by Holidu, explores both traditional and modern foodie destinations, showcasing the diverse and rich gastronomic offerings across the globe.
London, New York, Paris, Tokyo, Dubai, and Barcelona stand out as the leaders of the index, offering an exceptional blend of high-quality and diverse food experiences. According to the study, London, UK (100/100), New York, USA (99.3/100), and Paris, France (98.24/100) emerge as the cities with the best food diversity and experiences globally.
For those seeking cuisine diversity, London (100/100), New York (92.5/100), and Paris (91.5/100) top the list as the best destinations. Tokyo, Japan (100/100), Barcelona, Spain (99.8/100), and Dubai, UAE (99.1/100) lead in Foodie Experiences, based on Activity and Visual Experience Indexes.
The study highlights Tokyo, Japan, as the city with the highest number of Michelin Star restaurants (282), followed by Paris, France (163), and Kyoto, Japan (133). Tokyo claims the top position in multiple categories, including Michelin Stars, World-class restaurants, Foodie Experiences, and East Asian cuisine.
Holidu selected the 75 cities based on their strong presence in multiple rating directories, encompassing both renowned food hubs and emerging gastronomic destinations. The study aims to celebrate the diversity of global culinary landscapes, recognizing the unique offerings of each city.
Sarah Siddle, Senior PR Manager at Holidu, remarked, “Whether you’ve always dreamed of trying monjayaki on a hidden street of Tokyo or dining on machboos at a Bedouin feast in the Dubai desert, this study is the ultimate foodie bucket list.”
Holidu’s Food City Destination Index emphasizes the global appeal of cities vying for recognition as the best food destinations amid the burgeoning trend of food tourism.
This move stems from the recognition that 1.3 billion individuals globally grapple with significant disabilities, necessitating a concerted effort to make tourism universally accessible. Discussions among experts highlighted the untapped potential of this market, emphasising the need to craft tourism experiences under the banner of Universal Design. Debates also underscored the pivotal role of social inclusivity and accessibility in fostering sustainable tourism.
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Skyscanner, one of the leading travel platforms, recently unveiled its highly anticipated 2024 Travel Trends Report, showcasing the evolving preferences of Indian travellers and their insatiable appetite for exploration. Blending proprietary flights and hotel data based on millions of searches with an annual consumer behaviour study and expert commentary, the company revealed travel trends for next year as well as the top 10 trending destinations and best-value destinations.
Data from the report reveals that film and entertainment has a significant influence on Indian travellers, with 94 per cent of them inclined to taking a trip to a destination they’ve seen on the big or small screen. Moreover, close to half (43 per cent) of the respondents rate the overall ‘vibe’ of a destination as important, when choosing where to go in 2024.
The Skyscanner report is based on an annual survey, marking the first time Skyscanner conducted a dedicated survey for the Indian market, with approximately 18,000 respondents. Out of this, close to 1,000 respondents were Indians.
In a conversation with Mohit Joshi, Skyscanner’s travel trends and destination expert, ET TravelWorld delved into the report’s highlights, survey insights, and the most intriguing travel trends.
Evolution from Revenge Travel to Culture-Led Travel Vibes
The report identifies a significant shift from “revenge travel” after the Covid-19 pandemic to what Skyscanner terms “culture-led travel vibes.” Mohit Joshi highlighted four distinct cultural travel vibes:
Main Character Energy: Travellers increasingly seek to visit destinations they’ve seen in web series or films. For example, the release of “Emily in Paris” Season 3 led to a 23 per cent increase in searches from India to Paris. Similarly, Indian destinations like Manali and Ladakh have gained popularity due to appearances in television series.
Bougie Budget Foodies: Food plays a vital role in Indian travellers’ choices. Surprisingly, 59 per cent of Indians booked a destination primarily to dine at a specific restaurant. Travellers are more likely to explore destinations that offer an excellent culinary experience.
Destination Z: With 85 per cent of Indians prioritising mental health and well-being in 2023 compared to the previous year, travelers are increasingly seeking destinations for relaxation and quality sleep. Over 66 per cent reported getting better sleep while on holiday.
Guilt Tripping: Travellers now plan trips around artist performances or concerts, with more than 30 per cent willing to travel short or long haul to attend such events, provided it aligns with their budget.
The heightened focus that consumers today place on travel experiences opens new opportunities for brands (particularly those in the financial services sector) and the travel industry alike to deepen their engagement with their most valued customers. This is an opportune time for brands to enhance their customer value propositions by incorporating travel-related benefits and rewards in the experiences they provide
Top Destinations for Indian Travellers
The 2024 report reveals that 86 per cent of Indian travellers plan to take the same number, if not more, trips abroad in 2024 compared to 2023. Internationally, the report revealed the following top destinations:
– Da Nang, Vietnam: A remarkable 1,000 per cent increase in search volume indicates growing interest in this destination.
– Almaty, Kazakhstan: Almaty witnessed a surge in popularity with over 500 per cent more searches.
– Baku, Azerbaijan: Baku is becoming an exciting destination for Indian travellers.
Far-flung destinations remain popular for Indian travellers too, with Osaka and Auckland trending.
– Osaka, Japan: Known for its culinary delights, Osaka’s allure remains strong.
The report also identified three distinct travel types:
1. Analog Adventurers: Often younger travellers (Gen Z) seek retro experiences. A quarter of these travellers bring Polaroid cameras to capture their trips.
2. Luxe for Less: Travellers want luxury and relaxation at an affordable cost. Destinations like Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok offer both.
3. Celebration and Vacationers: More travellers choose to celebrate special occasions, such as birthdays and anniversaries, with travel. However, group travel planning can be challenging, with Skyscanner offering solutions to ease the process.
Future of Indian Travel
Value for money remains a key factor for Indian travellers, with the cost of the flight (26 per cent) and attractions (18 per cent) being the biggest factors determining the destination. However, 63 per cent of Indian travellers have budgeted to spend more on travel in 2024 compared to 2023, while 25 per cent will spend the same. Only 7 per cent have said they’ll spend less.
Reflecting on the report’s findings, Joshi observed a resilient Indian travel market, with 55 per cent growth in travel searches compared to 2022. An impressive 86 per cent of Indian travellers plan to either maintain or increase their travel in the coming year, he added.
Talking about expansion plans, Joshi said Skyscanner is committed to bolstering its presence in India, focusing on resources, advertising, and marketing. “The platform aims to provide seamless and straightforward travel booking experiences for Indian travellers,” he mentioned.
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