Navigating Summer Travel: Unveiling the Evolving Trends Shaping Indian Traveller Choices

The Indian travel landscape is brimming with optimism, buoyed by a positive Indian outlook, a growing middle class with increased disposable incomes and shifting preferences among Indian travellers venturing to new destinations and seeking deeper connections on their journeys. According to Statista, the Indian travel industry is expected to reach a staggering USD 34.25 billion by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 9.62% fueled by this shift in travel.

As one of the peak seasons for travel, summer is a time for escape, adventure and exploration. Every summer, Indian travellers gear up to retreat to tranquil destinations to unwind, feel the pulse of a culture or experience adventures that allow them to be the best versions of themselves and create lasting memories. To understand the Indian traveller Santosh Kumar, Country Manager, Indian Subcontinent & Indonesia, Booking.com delves into the trends shaping travel this summer:

1. Cool-cationers seeking relief from the heatWith soaring summer temperatures, many travellers are turning into cool-cationers seeking respite from the heat. Booking.com’s Travel Predictions 2024 reveals that 76% of Indian travellers are prioritising cooler destinations for their getaways. This trend is influenced by factors like climate change and a preference for more comfortable temperatures is shaping Indian travellers vacation plans to include cooler destinations. In fact, some of the 10 out of the top 15 most searched destinations for summer 2024 are hill stations like Ooty, Manali, Darjeeling and Srinagar that provide a welcome break from the heat, while simultaneously offering opportunities for exploration and adventure.
2. Hassle-free travel experiences are encouraging international travelGone are the days of complex visa processes and journeys with multiple flights. The convenience and flexibility of travelling abroad have 43% of Indian travellers looking to take long-haul holidays and 44% planning to take short-haul international trips this year. A traditionally complex and time-consuming process has been replaced with easy and simplified visa access making international and intraregional travel more appealing. Multiple travel and accommodation options as well as competitive packages have also engaged Indian travellers to visit destinations across the globe. As international travel continues to become more accessible, Indians are seizing the opportunity to venture further – with Dubai, Singapore, London, Bangkok and Bali topping the list of most searched destinations this summer.
3. Increasing propensity to explore one’s own countryFrom pristine beaches and diverse sports to diverse landscapes and cultural treasures, India offers an unparalleled travel experience closer to home. During the pandemic, with international border restrictions in place, people reconsidered their travel preferences to explore the diverse destinations that India has to offer. This trend is expected to continue into this summer and in the years ahead. According to our report, ‘How India Travels’ Report with knowledge partner McKinsey, by 2030 it is estimated that the total expenditure by Indian travellers will be USD 410 billion, of which 65% will be domestic, highlighting the appetite of Indian travellers to explore domestic destinations.
4. Living the best life with spiritual and wellness escapesIndia’s rich cultural tapestry offers unique travel experiences to Indian travellers. This summer, travellers are seeking mindful and spiritual destinations like Ayodhya, Ujjain, Rishikesh, Varanasi and Dharamshala to reconnect with themselves and reset their minds. Since the inauguration of the Ram Mandir, there is an uptick in traffic of devotees looking to visit the temple with summer seeing a 550% growth in searches for Ayodhya. Furthermore, various Government schemes and initiatives such as Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) are further propelling the growth of spiritual travel by facilitating greater connectivity and infrastructure in these sacred destinations.
5. Experiences are on the cardsEvent tourism is reshaping the travel industry as travellers combine their love for travel with their passion for concerts or sporting events. Sporting events such as the Paris Olympic Games 2024 or the Indian Premier League 2024 are just some examples of how sporting events are drawing enthusiastic fans to travel. The excitement of watching their favourite sport, team or athletes live in action is a compelling reason for Indians to travel locally, domestically or internationally. According to our search data, Indians are already looking to extend their support to team India with Paris being the second most searched destination by Indians for the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024.
6. Rise of luxury travel experiencesLuxury travel is no longer just for the elite. With the growing affluent middle class and rising disposable income, Indian travellers are increasingly seeking sophisticated and immersive travel experiences. Data from FICCI shows that luxury travel spending by Indians is expected to reach USD 40 billion by 2025. From helicopter tours over breathtaking landscapes, culinary journeys by renowned chefs, private tours to unexplored destinations and personalised itineraries, curated luxury is no longer just about acquiring expensive things but about creating unique, lasting memories.

Today’s evolving travel landscape and summer travel trends reflect a dynamic shift in how Indians are approaching travel. It’s about experiences, escaping the heat and immersing oneself in natural beauty – be it beaches, mountains, rich historical sites, religious getaways or national parks. Indians are seeking immersive experiences, relaxation, adventure and cultural immersion, all of which will continue to fuel memorable and enriching summer travel experiences. Overall, the trends signify a positive transformation in the travel industry, providing travellers with more opportunities for an immersive experience and creating lasting memories.