Goa is top destination as summer travel in India rises 40% in 2024
As temperatures soar across the country, Indian travellers are packing their bags for a summer escape, resulting in a notable 40% surge in summer travel compared to 2023. Hospitality and travel service providers are witnessing a noted spike in demand, PTI reported.
While the ongoing general elections had a marginal impact on corporate and MICE business, hotels are experiencing a surge in retail booking, in particular at beach destinations that are competing with hill stations as vacationers preferences seems to be changing.
According to KB Kachru, President of the Hotel Association of India and Chairman-South Asia of Radisson Hotel Group, “Residents of the Northern region seek refuge in the hills to beat the heat. Additionally, there’s a migration from urban centres to nearby tourist spots. Industry insiders estimate a 30 to 40% rise in summer travel compared to last year,” Kachru was quoted as saying.
Rajesh Magow, Co-Founder and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip noted, “Summer traditionally marks one of the busiest travel periods, and this year is no exception. We’re witnessing robust growth in searches compared to the same period last year.” MakeMyTrip’s data revealed a 20% increase in family travel and a 10% rise in solo travel compared to 2023.
Popular holiday destinations this summer include Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, Goa, Kerala, and the Northeast, favoured for their cooler hilly landscapes.
Chander K Baljee, Chairman and Managing Director of Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd, stated, “While elections have a minimal impact on corporate and MICE business, retail bookings have surged by 20% compared to last year.” Hill hotels and leisure destinations are witnessing a significant uptick in occupancy.
Regarding preferences, OYO, a hospitality and travel-tech firm, noted a higher inclination towards beach destinations for May and June 2024 bookings. “Around 53% of leisure bookings favor beaches, showcasing a strong preference for coastal getaways even in summer. However, mountains, constituting 47% of bookings, are also attracting considerable interest, especially as June progresses,” an OYO spokesperson said.
While Goa remains the top beach destination of choice, mountain destinations like Nainital, Rishikesh, Manali, Mussoorie, and Darjeeling are gaining traction for June trips, signaling a shift in traveller preferences towards serene mountain environments.
Interestingly, Kachru pointed out, “Air travel has surged due to the Election Commission’s campaign to promote democratic participation, with many citizens traveling to cast their votes in their hometowns.”