Indians second most confident travellers in Asia-Pacific, survey reveals

Complex global challenges, including inflation, geopolitical instability, climate change, and supply chain disruptions, have impacted travel. However, this year’s research unveils a striking paradox: 86% of Indian travellers are brimming with optimism about their future travel plans, while 61% have no intention of delaying their travel plans in the next 12 months. 

Even more striking is that 59% of these travellers intend to maintain, if not increase, the number of trips they take, and 68% intend to increase their travel expenditure budget for the year ahead.

Travel behaviours

Indian travellers have a stronger preference to explore their own country. (Source: Freepik)

Indians exhibit a distinct travel behaviour that stands apart, particularly in their approach to planning itineraries and their focus on food. More than half (57%) prefer a planned itinerary and make pre-bookings for trip accommodations, activities and dining. This reveals a desire for a structured travel experience and the guarantee of ensuring desired services in advance. While they are open to exploring different cuisines, a significant number (60%) consider it essential to have access to Indian food when determining travel plans.

Indian travellers have a stronger preference to explore their own country (43%) and cultivate meaningful connections on their travels (33%). When it comes to destinations they would like to explore domestically, a majority of the respondents (71%) want to travel to North India, 60% lean towards destinations in South India, 41% West India, 37% North East India, 16% East India and 13% opted for Central India.

Travel motivators

Travel is one of the most apparent desires of people across the APAC region, providing an escape from the daily routine. For 3 in 5 APAC travellers, their top reason to travel is for the purpose of relaxation, rejuvenation and an escape from the chaos of everyday life. However, when it comes to Indian travellers besides the desire for a restful vacation (57%), other travel motivators include the wish to learn about their travel destinations (34%) and to engage in the local culture (26%).

Discounted travel is a big motivator too. To save on travel costs, 39% are inclined to plan their trips around travel discounts and deals, 38% would travel during off-peak season and 36% would take advantage of staying with friends or family to save on travel costs.

Santosh Kumar, country manager, of India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia at Booking.com said, “Along with the high travel confidence that places India among the top three countries, Indian travellers are also most keen to prioritise sustainable travel. We are confident that the travel sector will continue to thrive in the years to come with this zest and enthusiasm for travelling among people.”

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