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Skyscanner, the renowned global travel search engine, unveiled its much-anticipated “Travel in Focus 2023” report last month, which offered a comprehensive snapshot of the ever-evolving landscape of traveller behaviour in India. The findings not only shed light on the evolving preferences of Indian travellers but also provide valuable insights for those seeking wallet-friendly getaways without compromising on the travel experience.
In an exclusive conversation with ETTravelWorld, Skyscanner’s travel trends & destination expert, Laura Lindsay, who is also the Director, Consumer PR and Communications at the company, said that Indian travellers are still keen on travelling both internationally and domestically, despite changes in flight prices. “In fact, 54 per cent of them have expressed a desire to squeeze in one more trip if they’ve got some spare cash at the end of the year,” she said.
In addition to the insights, the report also provides a range of practical travel hacks for Indian travellers looking to maximise their savings.
Price-Driven Travel: A Continuous Trend
The report highlights the persistent appeal of price-driven travel among Indians in 2023. Despite the ongoing resurgence of the travel industry, a substantial 47 per cent of Indian travellers are willing to adjust their travel plans if presented with better deals. This trend showcases the Indian traveller’s knack for a good bargain and a desire to extract the best value from their journeys.
Immersive Experiences Over Itineraries
The survey reveals that 72 per cent of Indian respondents prefer meticulous planning when it comes to their travel adventures. This penchant for thorough preparation is complemented by an interesting inclination towards immersive experiences over a jam-packed itinerary. A significant 46 per cent of Indian travellers opt for a leisurely exploration, emphasising a desire to truly connect with the places they visit, rather than rush through them, informed Lindsay outlining Skyscanner’s findings.
Flexibility and Cricket Fever
Interestingly, the Skyscanner report also reflects the adaptability of Indian travellers and their renowned love for popular sport – Cricket An impressive 75 per cent of respondents expressed their willingness to stretch their travel budget for the thrill of witnessing live cricket matches. The upcoming 2023 Cricket World Cup, scheduled for October, is poised to attract cricket enthusiasts from all corners of the country.
India’s outbound tourism market size in 2022 was estimated to be USD 15163.4 million, which is projected to rise by 11.4 per cent CAGR between 2022 and 2032 and reach USD 44799.9 million. India’s impressive rebound as a source market for outbound travel in Asia and Europe is a positive sign for the tourism industry, indicating a growing demand for travel.
Skyscanner’s Role in Travel Planning
Lindsay emphasised the platform’s commitment to simplifying and enhancing the travel experience.
“Every month Skyscanner connects millions of travellers in 52 countries to more than 1200 trusted travel partners so they can find the best flight, hotel, or car hire options. By leveraging the latest technologies to simplify the complexities of travel and provide honest and transparent solutions, we search over 80 billion prices every day so that travellers can be sure that they’ve seen the best possible options, all in one place,” she said. Skyscanner’s Growth and Partnerships
While Lindsay refrained from providing specific growth projections for the Indian market, she highlighted Skyscanner’s commitment to serving the needs of Indian travellers amidst strong travel demand and opportunities in India.
“”The need of the hour is meta search platforms like Skyscanner, which can assist travellers to see and compare several unbiased travel options in one place and connect them with providers that are best able to cater to their specific needs, whether it be price or flexibility,” Lindsay said.
Skyscanner currently partners with local industry leaders such as MakeMyTrip, Indigo, Goibibo, Yatra, and EaseMyTrip, among others, to provide travellers with an extensive range of options and solutions. Lindsay said they will continue to add more as Skyscanner grows in the market. “We are always looking to ensure that travellers have access to the best global and local travel providers,” she added.
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