Monday, August 14, 2023
A bright feeling of patriotism and eagerness envelops the nation as the summer sun extends its warm embrace. The Independence Day weekend vacation is more than simply a day off from work; it is a time for people to gather and remember the historical event that gave birth to a nation.
This yearly event maintains a particular place in the hearts of people, providing an opportunity to reflect on the past, enjoy the present, and anticipate the future. The Independence Day weekend holiday has become a treasured tradition that brings families, friends, and communities closer together, whether via fireworks, parades, or quiet moments of reflection.
Holiday Weekend Vibe
For many, the 15th August weekend represents the ideal opportunity for a well-deserved vacation. It’s a chance to escape the rush and bustle of everyday life and revel in the splendour of freedom, with a day off work and a three-day weekend ahead. Families frequently pack their belongings, get into their cars, and embark on road vacations to discover new places or revisit old favourites.
The red, white, and blue theme pervades not just the national flag but also the festive decor of towns and cities around the country. Parades with marching bands, floats with patriotic designs, and community events highlighting local talents provide a sense of solidarity to the weekend.
Soaring Air Travel
As the 15th August approaches, travellers are taking advantage of the longer weekend as a chance for brief vacations. Bookings and searches on online travel agents (OTAs) are up significantly. Airfares have risen by about 12%, while hotel occupancy rates have reached 70-80%, resulting in a 20% increase in room rates.
This year, Independence Day occurs on a Tuesday, which has resulted in an increase in trip bookings and searches. People are taking advantage of the opportunity for an extended weekend by taking a “Monday-break,” according to Indiver Rastogi, President of Thomas Cook (India) and SOTC Travel. Demand has increased for key locations such as Goa, Kochi, Jaipur, and Srinagar. According to Prahlad Krishnamurthi, Chief Business Officer of Cleartrip, air reservations have increased by 30% compared to past August weekends, while hotel bookings have quadrupled.
Travel behaviour is evolving, with a 10-15% increase in bookings for this year’s Independence Day period compared to the previous year, notes Aloke Bajpai, Group CEO & Co-founder of ixigo. Short-haul destinations such as Dubai, Singapore, Maldives, and Bali are trending.
The practise of “Drivecation,” in which travellers drive to holiday spots, is gaining hold, particularly in areas near major cities. Hotel reservations in South Indian hill areas and driveable regions such as Goa have surged. Culturally rich sites like as Jaipur and Agra are also gaining popularity. According to Sabina Chopra, COO of Yatra.com, average accommodation prices have risen by 16.5%, with Coorg, Madikeri, Tirupati, and Goa being popular destinations.
The obvious trend of double-digit rise in travel demand during extended weekends is highlighted by Zubin Saxena, MD & Area SVP-South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group. The attraction of luxury vacations is boosting bookings, with last-minute reservations from adjacent metros expected.
For this time span, air bookings have increased by approximately 30%. While airfare has increased by 10-12% year on year for players like as Yatra and Thomas Cook, EaseMyTrip and ixigo say that average costs for many routes booked in advance are cheaper than the previous year.
According to Rajesh Magow, Co-Founder and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, flight reservations have increased by at least 30% seven days before the scheduled departure date. Bookings for luxury and premium hotels have climbed by 22%, while bookings for homestays and villas have more than doubled.
Hotel booking Increases
Because of the increased demand, hotels are taking advantage of the situation by charging a 20-30% premium for their rooms. “Our room rates for the three to four nights over the Independence Day weekend have been tailored to offer great value while maintaining the exceptional standards we’re known for,” said Somesh Agarwal, Chairman and MD of Radisson Blu Palace Resort in Udaipur. Rates have been slightly adjusted because this is a high season with last-minute demand.”
Meanwhile, the Four Points By Sheraton in Jaipur is charging between Rs 26,000 and Rs 27,000 for a three-night stay for two persons. When reserving for a weekend in September, this pricing is projected to be 10-15% cheaper. Due to the enormous demand, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has increased its accommodation prices by 30-40%. “At the moment, our hotels are nearly full for the upcoming weekend, with reservations extending into the following weekend.” The average daily rate (ADR) for this extended weekend is now up by 40% compared to regular weekends,” said Nikhil Sharma, Market Managing Director, Eurasia, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
According to Booking.com search statistics, Indian travellers are looking for leisure spots near major cities such as Lonavala, Udaipur, Jaipur, Puducherry, and Goa. According to Santosh Kumar, Booking.com’s Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Indonesia, “long weekends offer a wonderful opportunity to take a much-needed break from the daily hustle and enjoy a quick getaway for rejuvenation.”
Hoteliers credit this year’s rise in demand to a variety of variables, including last-minute trip plans, remote job choices, and the attraction of solo travel. Agarwal stated that they anticipate tourists who would work remotely from the resort on both Friday and Monday, so they are offering comfortable workplaces as well as high-speed internet.
Hotels are emphasising on services for solitary travellers and common places that encourage social connections among guests in response to evolving tastes. “Customers are increasingly prioritising properties and experiences that provide good value for money.” This preference shift corresponds to the current unsettled terrain. “We’ve seen a significant shift in customer perspective, moving beyond mere room rentals to encompass the realms of design, culinary delights, and tailored experiences that modern customers now seek,” Ramit and Rohit Sethi, Founders and Directors at Seclude Hotel Home Style, explained.
Tags: India, India travel, Tourism India
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Saturday, April 27, 2024
