Booking.com has carried out new research to understand consumer expectations as they begin to start travelling again. The ‘Future of Travel’ research has revealed a range of interesting trends, the most prominent being that travellers are more comfortable with exploring destinations closer to home, reports HotelierIndia.
Research shows travellers keen to explore their home country
The findings show that 49 percent of Indian travellers plan to explore a new destination within their home country. Further, 52 percent of Indian travellers still plan to travel within their own country in the medium term (7-12 months’ time), with 41% planning to do so in the longer term (in over a year’s time). Some of the top trending destinations for the month of February 2021 include Srinagar, Digha, Manali, Goa and Alibaug.
In the space of local travel, 50 percent of Indian travellers will take the time out to explore the natural beauty of their own country. While many travellers are keen to explore their nearby surroundings, 25 percent of Indian travellers intend to travel to the other parts of the world by the end of 2021.
Commenting on the Future of Travel study, Ritu Mehrotra, Regional Manager, South Asia at Booking.com said, “While it will be some time before travel returns to pre-pandemic levels, all signs point to the fundamental and enduring role that travel plays in all our lives. Looking ahead, staying closer to home and becoming familiarists rather than tourists will continue to be at the forefront of travel agendas. Rediscovering India and travelling like a local is what 2021 is going to be about. In the meantime, with our mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, we will be there for our customers offering the widest choice, great value and the easiest experience from anywhere and on any device so travellers can enjoy all of the unforgettable experiences this world has to offer, when it is safe to do so.”
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