More Indians opt for smaller vacations, multiple times

Small is big. More Indians are increasingly opting for short-haul tours during the year, but multiple times. In fact, this has emerged as the largest segment for tour operators off late, and weekend bookings are growing at 40 per cent.

Rajeev Kale, president & country head, leisure travel and M.I.C.E at Thomas Cook (India) Limited said that

Thomas Cook India has observed a surge in weekend bookings of over 35 per cent (international) and 50 cent (domestic) as compared to last year.

A recent Yatra Summer Survey has shown that 59.9 per cent Indians opt for two to three holidays in a year, compared to 30.6 per cent people who travel once a year. Only 9.5 per cent Indians travel more than four times in a year. Sharat Dhall, president, Yatra said that over 70 per cent of the overall bookings that Yatra gets are for such short haul holidays.

"Most of the hotel and flights bookings market is now happening online, and given good deals on offer, the trend has been picking up over the past few years," Dhall said.

Indeed the long weekend gateaways have emerged as the largest segment for tour operators over the past few years.

Karan Anand-head, relationships, Cox & Kings Ltd said, "This trend has been growing consistently. The factors driving short holidays are increase work pressure so people like to distress. Second, domestic airlines have increased connectivity and come out with offers all the time inducing people to take short breaks without pinching their pocket. Today people look forward to long weekends when they can travel to places within 200 kms radius by car and spend time at local resorts."

He further added that Cox & Kings has seen a 20 per cent rise in long weekend holidays. It is not primarily driven by domestic holidays. People also travel overseas for short breaks. Destinations such as Thailand, Singapore, Dubai, Bhutan and Sri Lanka are the favourites.

In fact, international short haul holidays have become more of a trend this year. Neelu Singh, CEO & Director, Ezeego1 said, "The concept of multiple long weekend holidays picked up last year and is fast catching up this year as well.Last year, the trend was to travel to close-by domestic destinations that which is still popular. However, this year people are exploring short haul international destinations like Thailand, Dubai, Malaysia, Maldives and Singapore that offer visa-on- arrival services for a short holidays."

Ezeego1 saw good pick up in hotel bookings and packages for long weekends across cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore and Ahmedabad last year and it expects this segment to grow by 40 per cent this year.

What is the typical demographics that is opting to take multiple short breaks? Thomas Cook India's data indicates highest uptake from the family segment with 55 per cent, followed closely by young professionals/ad hoc groups of friends with 40 per cent.

Maximum number of travellers during long weekends has been observed from Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai. In addition: Pune, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad are growing strongly, informed Kale. Increased demand has been seen in 2017 from mini metros and Tier 2 has gone up by 25 per cent.

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More Indians opt for smaller vacations, multiple times