Domestic & international trips on Indian travellers’ mind: Health remains top priority

When it comes to travel companions, 62% people prefer to travel with family/friends.

By ET Bureau | Jun 29, 2021, 04.45 PM IST

Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel surveyed over 4,000 customers across India’s Tier 1 - 3 cities in a recent survey to identify emerging consumer behaviours and trends that will drive travel preferences in the COVID era.

The survey covered consumers of India’s top 8 metros, mini metros like Pune and key Tier 2/3 markets of Jaipur, Indore, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, Nagpur, Surat, Baroda, Bhubaneswar, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Mysore, Coimbatore, Visakhapatnam, Guwahati, Patna, etc.

Demand is high
After months of being confined to a small radius, it looks like most of us are ready to get out. There has been a strong travel demand with a significant 69% respondents indicating keen interest to travel in 2021 post ease in restrictions - with 18% ready to travel immediately post unlock and 51% within 3-6 months.

There is interest for both Domestic (54%) and International (46%) destinations. However, health continues to be the number one priority for travellers with 70% saying it is a key consideration. 19% cite uncertainty as a concern.

Safety first
Re-sanitation of rooms was selected by 52% respondents as a key requirement. Fully vaccinated hotel staff, drivers was a need highlighted by 48% and 34% respondents, respectively. Willingness to increase spends basis health & safety is also present with 66% respondents willing to increase spends to ensure higher levels of health & safety on their holiday.

Destination calling
When it comes to domestic destinations in India, Kashmir, Leh-Ladakh, Himachal, Andamans, Goa, Kerala emerged as the top choices. Internationally, Dubai-Abu Dhabi, Maldives, Mauritius, Thailand, Europe are what most people are looking at.

35% respondents chose holidays between 3-5 days; 52% for 6-12 days; 13% for a holiday of over 12 days. When it comes to travel companions, 62% respondents prefer to travel with family/friends; 20% as couples/solo; 18% in a vaccinated group.

Rajeev Kale President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “Indian consumers continue to display strong travel desire with a noteworthy 69% keen to travel in 2021. Equally important are consumer concerns on health-safety (70%), uncertainty (19%) and need for refundable/zero cancellation products (81%). To address this and boost customer confidence, we have launched TravShield – our commitment to personal safety, financial safety and mental safety. Personal Safety includes vaccinated travellers on tour, vaccinated hotel staff/drivers and interactions with vaccinated travel advisors; sanitized rooms, restaurants and vehicles. Financial Safety covers free cancellations and rescheduling. To ensure mental safety, our products are inbuilt with Covid Insurance and to ensure peace of mind we have our 24x7 Doctor-on-Call service for any emergency during travel - in partnership with Apollo Clinics.“

Relaxury, Breakaway Bubbles & Other Travel Trends Of 2021

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You know how we would just decide to pack our bags and head out of town for the weekend without thinking twice? Ah the good old days. Well, 2020, we’ve learned our lesson and we’re willing to change. 63% Indians pledge to not take travel for granted in the future.

Looking ahead at 2021, the impact of the pandemic is changing not just our choice of destination but also the type of trips we’re most likely to take in the coming year. New research from Booking.com shows the five emerging trip types for 2021 to motivate and inspire travellers to take a trip (or five) to best fit their newfound travel preference.