Goa remains top, spiritual tourism remains hot, premium accommodations grow fast — MMT’s summer travel trends for 2024

For us Indians, summer is not just about sultry weather and parched lands. It's also about nostalgia with two-month-long vacations, travel with family, and exploring new places every year. Summer travel is a time-honoured tradition that beckons adventurers, families, and sun-seekers alike to embark on journeys of discovery and relaxation.

Whether it's basking on sun-kissed beaches, trekking through mountains under clear skies, or immersing oneself in the rich tapestry of cultural experiences, summer offers a plethora of opportunities to create unforgettable memories. As travellers eagerly pack their bags and plan their escapades, the data around these plans also tells a story.

And the popular travel portal Make My Trip has now revealed some interesting trends in its report “Summer Travel Trends”! The report gives a peek into the evolving preferences and behaviours of travellers across India.

From the bustling streets of Goa to the serene landscapes of Ayodhya, summer 2024 travel trends encompass a dynamic mix of traditional favourites and emerging destinations. Spiritual tourism remains vibrant, with pilgrimage sites like Puri and Varanasi drawing considerable interest.

Additionally, the influence of external factors such as elections on travel patterns reflects the interconnectedness of travel and societal events. As one delves into the data, intriguing insights are evident not just on destinations but also on shifting trends in accommodation preferences and the duration of travel. Here are a few key takeaways from the report:

Goa remains top destination and Ayodhya is catching up

Goa retains its position as the top searched destination for travellers this year as well. However, Ayodhya has seen the sharpest growth in search volumes, attributed to the inauguration of the Ram Mandir. Following Ayodhya, interest in travel to Lakshadweep and Nandi Hills also shows noticeable increases.
Read - Best beaches to visit in Goa in 2024

Spiritual tourism shows no decline

This summer, Puri and Varanasi emerge as the most searched pilgrimage destinations. Travellers are showing keen interest in exploring the spiritual and cultural richness offered by these revered sites during their summer journeys.

Travel behaviour during elections

Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and CEO of Make My Trip says they have seen a surge in traffic and bookings on redBus during election dates. People prioritise visiting their hometowns to cast votes, reflecting a significant trend in travel behaviour during electoral periods.

Growth in family and solo travel

In 2024, the family travel segment experienced a remarkable 20% growth compared to summer 2023. Solo travel also sees a significant uptick, with a 10% increase over the previous year's numbers, following the trend set by family travel.

Mountains over beaches

Places with cool mountain terrains emerge as the top choices for domestic holiday destinations this summer. Travellers show a preference for destinations offering refreshing mountain landscapes, highlighting a trend towards seeking cooler climates for summer getaways.

These international destinations saw the highest growth

Baku, Almaty, and Nagoya are witnessing the highest growth in searches among international destinations. Travellers are showing increasing interest in exploring these diverse and vibrant cities, reflecting a shift in preferences for their summer travel plans.

Average travelling days

On average, domestic travel durations range from 3 to 5 days, offering shorter yet fulfilling getaways. In contrast, international travel tends to span longer periods, averaging between 8 to 10 days, allowing travellers to immerse themselves more deeply in their chosen destinations.

Most booked domestic packages

The most booked domestic tour packages today include Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, Goa, Kerala, and the Northeast region. These destinations offer diverse experiences ranging from serene mountain escapes in Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir to tropical beach getaways in Goa and Kerala, along with the enchanting cultural and natural beauty of the North East, attracting travellers seeking a variety of experiences.

Mid-range is preferred but premium accommodations show the highest growth

The tariff range of INR 2.5K to 7K per night constitutes approximately 45% of all homestay bookings. However, homestays and villas with tariffs exceeding INR 20K per night are experiencing the highest growth. Similarly, in the hotel sector, the INR 2.5K to 7K range remains preferred, but notable growth is observed in the INR 10K to 15K category, indicating a trend towards premiumisation.

The summer travel landscape of 2024 presents a tapestry of diverse destinations and evolving travel behaviours. While Constant favourites like Goa continue to reign supreme, the rise of destinations such as Ayodhya and the growing interest in spiritual tourism demonstrate a nuanced shift in traveller preferences.

The surge in family and solo travel, coupled with the increasing popularity of mid-range to premium accommodations, underscores the evolving dynamics of the Indian travel market. As travellers seek refuge in the cool mountain terrains or go on soul-searching journeys to pilgrimage sites, one thing remains clear – travel is not just about reaching a destination but also about embracing the experiences that enrich our lives along the way.

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