April 25 2016, 19.23 PM IST || Pocket News Alert
Despite rupee depreciation, 31% are planning international trips for summer 2016: Yatra Survey
Chennai, 25 April, 2016, India: Yatra.com, one of India’s leading online travel portals, conducted their annual summer survey which brings into spotlight the changes in the way Indian travelers are planning to holiday this summer. The latest survey shows that Indian travelers decide on the go and are well in tune with the latest technology.
This conclusion has been validated by numbers showing a huge 10% year-on year jump in mobile bookings to the current 32%. While desktops and laptops continue to be the preferred medium of booking, there is a steep decline in demand for travel agents with the number being a mere 8% in 2016 versus 11.2% in 2015.
The survey also found out that a swooping 67.4 per cent are planning a summer trip in 2016 as against only 35% in 2015. This defines the undeterred spirit of Indian travelers who are increasingly considering travelling on vacation a necessity rather than a luxury. Despite the rupee slipping to 66/67 levels, nearly 31% travelers are looking at international trips for summer 2016. The survey also found that North Eastern states are showing prominence as a top choice in domestic destinations which is in line with the government’s focus to promoting the region. Amongst international destinations Bali and Mauritius have come forward as the new popular choices this summer.
Top Destinations
* Kashmir
* Goa
* North Eastern states
* Thailand/Singapore/Malaysia
* Bali
Indians seem to be caught in the daily grind of corporate life and hence do not miss any opportunity for a getaway. This has clearly resulted in an increased frequency of vacationing. Travelers spending on summer trip per person sees an increase in the mid segment range, with over 25% people looking to spend Rs.25,000 - 50,000 in 2016 as against 17% in 2015. There continue to be large number of travelers that continue to choose budget accommodation to manage expenditure while travelling in 2016. The survey also finds that 44% Indians believe that relaxation during holidays is the key reason to travel in 2016, underlining the urban Indian’s need to escape the grind of everyday life.
Inspiration for travel:
* Reference – 33.2%
* Travel Blog – 24.4%
* Best Price – 25.3%
* Social Media – 12.6 %
* Bollywood – 4.6%
Commenting on the findings from the survey, Mr. Sharat Dhall, President, Yatra.com says, “We continue to see a strong year-on-year growth in Indians travelling to various foreign and domestic destinations. We have also seen an increased demand for newer destinations this summer with North East India destinations making it to our top five domestic destinations. Indians are increasingly getting comfortable making their travel bookings on the mobile and expect to see a further increase in bookings via our app in the coming year.”
Must-Have’s for travel
* DSLR Camera- 29.5%
* Sports Gear- 24%
* Sunglasses- 24.6%
* Sunscreen- 9.4%
* Beach Wear - 12.5%
This summer there has been a stark increase in families planning for holidays together with almost 45% opting for family vacation in 2016 as compared to only 17% in 2015. With women starting to become an important demographic while planning holidays, they are increasingly looking for holidays with partners, parents and children, and also alone. Hotels continue to be top choice of accommodation whereas staying with family and friends continues to decline. Also travellers are better informed and they decide destinations backed by online research from travel blogs. Although a large percentage would love to travel with Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, deciding destinations basis Bollywood movies has seen a dip.
Key Highlights:
* A 10% year-on year jump since 2014 has been observed in mobile bookings, currently standing at almost 32%. Booking with travel agents now reduced to a single digit, standing at 8% in 2016 versus 11.2% in 2015.
* Despite the rupee at 66 to the US dollar, almost 31% are still looking at international trips for summer 2016
* In line with government’s focus, North Eastern states are showing prominence as a top choice in domestic destinations.
* Family trips see a phenomenal rise with almost 45% opting for family vacation in 2016 as compared to only 17% in 2015
* Indians continue to choose budget accommodation to manage expenditure while travelling in 2016
* Indians cut away from work while on vacation and ‘relaxation’ shoots up as the key reason for travel.