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During the lockdowns, as the world slowed to a crawl, a new trend began to emerge amidst the chaos and uncertainty – Silence Travel. As restrictions eased, and people were encouraged to resume outdoor activities, not everyone welcomed this abrupt transition. The pandemic had prompted individuals to reevaluate their priorities, seeking solace and inner calm amidst the tumultuous times.
Some individuals discovered solace in silence retreats, where meditation, breathing exercises, and leisurely walks formed the ideal antidote. Others sought refuge in secluded mountain cabins, quiet hillside cafes surrounded by nothing but meadows and woodlands. Slowly but surely, the trend came into the notice and the Indian travel and tourism industry is already up to adapting the demands. Know how and why!
The post-Covid shift
“People started seeking activities that promote well-being and inner calm. That’s when silence travel, or silent retreats, gained significant traction. It provided a unique opportunity to disconnect from the chaos of daily life and immerse oneself in the tranquility of nature,” said Rikant Pittie, Co-Founder of EaseMyTrip, agreeing that this emerging trend has gained considerable traction in the post-Covid era.
Pittie’s statement echoed the sentiments of many travellers who sought relief and renewal amidst the pandemic’s uncertainty and this trend, somehow, emerged as a beacon of hope.
Adding to this, A Krishna Mohan, MD of Southern Travels, shared insights into how this trend has gained momentum among the youth, leading to the emergence of concepts like workation and staycations.
“The concept of silence travel, also known as silent retreats or silent tourism, had gained popularity post-Covid. The silence travel has been picked up in youth and has seen a large growth in the past few years. This has introduced the concept of workation and staycations,” added Mohan.
Preferred destinations
But what are the destinations that cater to this rising trend of silence travel? As per Pittie’s insights, “Numerous destinations in India and around the world offer serene and relaxing experiences for travelers seeking solitude.”
“For instance, Rishikesh, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, provides a tranquil setting for meditation and contemplation. The backwaters of Kerala with their houseboat excursions and Ayurvedic wellness centers are an oasis of relaxation,” he explained.
Beyond India’s borders, international destinations hold their own charm. Pittie mentioned New Zealand, which lures visitors with secluded locations and untouched beauty. The spiritual aura of Sedona, Arizona, and the pristine beaches of the Maldives also beckoned travellers seeking seclusion for rejuvenation, as per Pittie.
Sharing his bit, Mohan said that secluded retreat centers, resorts, monasteries, spiritual destinations and meditation centers provide sanctuaries for deep introspection. “Examples could include places like the Himalayas in India, remote islands, national parks, or even designated silent zones within bustling cities.”
Silence travel and slow travel, while related concepts, have distinct focuses. Pittie explained, “Silence travel seeks peaceful environments, emphasising solitude and inner calm, while slow travel embraces a deeper connection to a destination through immersion in its culture and off-the-beaten-path exploration.”
While silence travel can be a component of slow travel, it stands as a specialised facet, honing in on inner peace, shared Mohan. On the other hand, slow travel casts a wider net, embracing a holistic connection with the destination and its people, encompassing a meaningful exploration.
A report by the global B2B Travel Tech Platform, reflected the evolving Indian traveller needs including the rise in last-minute spontaneous travel, preference towards branded hotels, growing demand for offbeat destinations, and digitisation. Air travel continues to be the preferred mode of transportation, with over 400,000 Indian passengers flying daily. Travel agents are also investing time in destination and platform learning to meet the demands effectively.
Agents of Change
To push forth the trend of silence travel, both online and offline travel agents have a vital role to play. Online travel agents (OTAs) can curate and promote silence travel packages on their platforms, providing comprehensive information and search options to cater to travellers seeking tranquil experiences. OTAs can feature and sell silent retreats, wellness resorts, and meditation centers in packages that offer immersive experiences.
Offline agents, on the other hand, can offer personalised guidance, recommend serene destinations, and create tailor-made itineraries, said Pittie. Offline travel agents also may have established relationships with local operators and service providers at destinations that offer silence travel experiences, which can result in better deals and added benefits for travellers.
Online travel agents have the advantage of reaching a vast audience across different regions and countries. They can promote and sell silence travel experiences to travelers from around the world, leveraging their online platforms and marketing strategies. Mohan couldnt agree more when he stated that the OTAs can also leverage social media and digital platforms to showcase the benefits of this trend.
Further, collaborating with retreat centers and organising educational events can further enhance awareness about the benefits of silence travel, both Pittie and Mohan pointed out.
Turning to Mindful Travel
As the travel industry continues to evolve, mindful travel trends are expected to shape the landscape in the coming years. Eco-conscious travel, digital detox retreats, wellness tourism, experiential travel, and transformative travel experiences reflect the growing desire for meaningful and purposeful travel experiences.
With a growing emphasis on mental and emotional well-being, silence travel is likely to gain even more popularity in the years to come, reshaping the way people approach and experience travel. As the world seeks respite from the chaos, silence travel stands as an opportunity for mindful travelling that would guide the travellers of tomorrow towards new horizons of understanding and appreciating the world around them.
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