View: Say goodbye to annual trips; people will take several shorter trips post-pandemic

By PRS Oberoi

Travel has for decades been an integral part of our life for both work and leisure and this has resulted in the travel and tourism industry outperforming global economic growth. Travel and Tourism has also contributed to employment and prosperity. Since early March of this year there has been unprecedented disruption due to the outbreak of COVID-19 across the globe. The travel and hospitality industry has been amongst the worst-hit sectors. With the lockdown being eased across India, we have started witnessing a recovery due to strong domestic leisure travel. Every disruption and every crisis brings with it an opportunity to reinvent and reimagine the future - I am sure the hospitality industry will emerge stronger than ever.

Hospitality will witness some permanent changes in guest preferences, an enhanced focus on safety and hygiene being one of them. The current restrictions on international travel have made people focus on domestic travel and discover the wonders within the country. India has amongst the best hotels in the world in exceptional destinations. I believe that domestic leisure travel will become even more important as people will prefer to travel within the country and explore its beauty and diversity. In a bid to support government’s “Vocal for Local” movement, people will be more inclined towards helping their own country’s economy grow. India as a destination has immense potential to develop itself as a preferred choice for tourism.


We need to promote the rich history, architecture and culture as well as the benefits of India’s natural environment, its wellness system, Naturopathy, Ayurveda, the practice of Yoga and meditation. We have stunning natural beauty and national parks which can be capitalized upon as we navigate our way through these fluid times. Nature will triumph and resorts that offer a sense of place, open spaces that are well-spread out will be preferred.

Road trips, which have once again become popular, will continue even after this pandemic. The big annual holiday will be replaced by multiple smaller, closer to home trips throughout the year, including staycations to rejuvenate on weekends. Individuals and families, in fact multi generation families, will look at these as opportunities for bonding, a need everyone recognized during lockdown. Experiences will prevail as most people have decided to slow down or pursue passions they had forgotten. Cycling, nature walks, forest bathing, star gazing, immunity building food and private dining experiences are some examples of experiences travellers will seek.

Health, safety and hygiene will play an important role while selecting a hotel. People will tend to stay with well established brands they trust and have highest hygiene standards and stringent safety protocols. Brands that stand for quality and authenticity will win. Recognizing the importance our guests will place on safety and hygiene, we took the unprecedented step of publishing our entire standards on safety and hygiene on our website.

The worst is behind us and strong domestic leisure travel comes with an opportunity to develop smaller cities into tourist destinations. This is an opportunity to not only promote tourism but to generate employment. As the new normal will be built on health, hygiene and safety, technology will take centre stage to aid on contactless experience whether it is menus in restaurants or the check-in and checkout experience. But the key will be to continue to deliver personal warmth and care, even in a “contactless” world. Innovative thinking and strategic changes that meet consumer expectations will accelerate our journey on the road to recovery. We are optimistic that the industry will tide over the crisis and grow stronger and more resilient when the pandemic is behind us. We must leverage these unique opportunities to re-shape the hospitality industry for sustainable development and a promising future.

The writer is Executive Chairman of the Oberoi Group.