Goa top destination as India summer travel surges 40% in 2024: Hospitality industry sees surge in demand

As temperatures soar across the country, Indian travelers are packing their bags for a summer getaway, leading to a notable 40% increase in summer travel compared to 2023. Hospitality service providers and Travelers are witnessing a notable increase in demand, PTI reported.

While the ongoing general elections have had a marginal impact on corporate and MICE activities, hotels are seeing a surge in retail bookings, particularly in beach destinations that compete with mountain resorts, as holidaymakers’ preferences seem to change.

According to KB Kachru, president of the Hotel Association of India and president, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, “Residents of the northern region are seeking refuge in the hills to beat the heat. In addition, there is a migration from urban centers to nearby tourist sites. Industry experts estimate that summer travel is expected to increase by 30-40% compared to last year,” Kachru was quoted as saying.

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Rajesh Magow, Co-Founder and CEO, MakeMyTrip Group, said, “Summer traditionally marks one of the busiest travel periods, and this year is no exception. We are seeing strong growth in searches compared to the same period last year. » MakeMyTrip data revealed a 20% increase in family travel and a 10% increase in solo travel compared to 2023.

Popular holiday destinations this summer include Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, Goa, Kerala and the North East, favored for their cooler hilly landscapes.

Chander K Baljee, Chairman and Managing Director, Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd, said, “Even though elections have minimal impact on corporate and MICE business, retail bookings jumped 20% YoY last. » Hillside hotels and leisure destinations are experiencing a significant increase in occupancy rates.

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On preferences, OYO, a hospitality and travel technology company, noted a greater inclination towards beach destinations for May and June 2024 bookings. “Approximately 53% of leisure bookings favor beaches, demonstrating a strong preference for coastal getaways, even in summer However, mountains, constituting 47% of bookings, are also seeing considerable interest, especially as June progresses,” said an OYO spokesperson.

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While Goa remains the top beach destination of choice, mountain destinations like Nainital, Rishikesh, Manali, Mussoorie and Darjeeling are gaining ground for June travel, signaling a shift in traveler preferences towards serene mountain environments.

Interestingly, Kachru pointed out that “air travel has increased due to the Election Commission’s campaign to promote democratic participation, with many citizens traveling to vote in their hometowns.”

(With contributions from PTI)