The most muted seasons of travel have gone past, this year saw a much-needed return to travel as travellers went to the skies, seas, tracks, and roads to explore more than ever before. With the onset of the much-awaited holiday season, SanKash, a leading travel fintech, has revealed a study on the evolving preferences and behaviors of travellers for the summer season of 2023. The data reveals that close to 35% of travellers prefer Jammu and Kashmir for vacationing. The most interesting trend has been a shift towards solo travel, as there has been a whopping surge of 250% in Q1-FY23.
The insights indicate a notable shift in travel patterns, with travellers displaying a strong inclination towards self-exploration, adventure, and reconnecting with nature. Destinations renowned for their natural beauty, cultural richness have witnessed a surge in popularity, captivating the hearts of travellers. As per the data, 25% of travellers chose Manali, and 14% chose Shimla. Besides that, Mussoorie, Sikkim, and Goa were among the top preferred states, with bookings clocking in at 9%, 7%, and 5%, respectively.
Solo travel has topped the chart as the most preferred trend, as travellers are inclined to explore not only themselves but the world at their own pace and preference. The feeling of freedom and independence are the key factors fueling the trend since people want to break free from their comfort zone and not feel swayed by the whims of fellow travellers. Another significant trend change is the increasing fondness for sleep and sustainable tourism.
Commenting on the insights and trends, Akash Dahiya, co-founder and CEO of SanKash, said, “There is no surprise that Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as a most preferred destination among millennials and Gen Z. The natural beauty and spellbound views are a treat to travellers and the number of Travel Now, Pay Later bookings we have received for the place is a testimony to that. Post-Pandemic, millennials want to indulge in budget-friendly and stress-free travel experiences, and therefore, TNPL is becoming the most preferred medium. The travel and tourism industry is showing a strong rebound, and the amount of bookings we have received is proof of that.”
The recent industry trends also indicate that data-driven tourism is expected to be a major engine of growth for India’s tourism industry, which is on course to exceed $1 trillion by 2047. As of March 2023, domestic travel is becoming more popular, and domestic capacity has already surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Bookings are back to 100% of pre-pandemic levels for domestic travel and are at approximately 100% of pre-pandemic levels for foreign travel. The visitor exports from India’s tourism and hospitality sector are predicted to reach $50.9 billion by 2028, up from $28.9 billion in 2018. In addition, it is expected that by 2028, there would be 30.5 million foreign tourists arriving in the country. Further, the Ministry of Tourism has declared 2023 as the “Visit India Year” to encourage inbound travel in light of India’s G20 Presidency.
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