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Global technology platform OYO, in its World Tourism Day report, has highlighted India’s most sought-after cultural, heritage, and spiritual destinations and revealed that Rajasthan accounts for 76 per cent of bookings for cultural and heritage travel on its platform.
The report, released in celebration of World Tourism Day, showcases the diverse and enriching experiences that India offers beyond its famous landscapes and urban centers.
Analysing data from January 2023 to June 2023, the report identifies Jaipur as the top cultural and heritage destination, with Agra, Mysore, Udaipur, and Jodhpur securing prominent spots on the list. Impressively, Rajasthan alone contributes to 76 per cent of the top bookings in this category, with Jaipur accounting for over 60 per cent of these reservations. This underscores the robust appetite among travellers to delve into the rich heritage and culture of the state.
Highlighting growth trends, Thekkady, located near Kerala’s Periyar National Park, emerges as a standout performer with a remarkable 103 per cent surge in bookings compared to the previous year. Mysore follows closely with a 42 per cent increase, indicating a growing preference for the southern states among travelers.
In terms of regional representation, the top heritage destinations are Agra in the North, Mysore in the South, Jaipur in the West, and Bodh Gaya in the East.
Spiritual travel in India is on a steady ascent, driven by the quest for enlightenment and self-discovery, particularly among millennials and Gen Z. Varanasi retains its status as the leading spiritual destination, accounting for 33 per cent of bookings. It is closely followed by Tirupati, Puri, Amritsar, and Haridwar. Puri has shown remarkable growth this year, with a 22 per cent increase compared to the previous year. Haridwar and Amritsar also witnessed substantial growth at 18 per cent and 11 per cent, respectively.
Noteworthy destinations witnessing a surge in demand in the spiritual travel category include Shirdi, Deoghar, Mathura, Vrindavan, and Madurai. Regional representation for spiritual destinations features Amritsar in the North, Tirupati in the South, Shirdi in the West, and Varanasi in the East.
India’s tangible heritage isn’t just a static display of the past, it’s a dynamic force driving the future of tourism. The country’s emphasis on preserving its tangible heritage goes hand in hand with responsible tourism. By promoting off-the-beaten-path destinations, we can ensure more equitable tourism growth, alleviating pressure on more popular sites and distributing economic benefits more widely.
Shreerang Godbole, Chief Service Officer of OYO, notes a shifting trend in traveller preferences, with an increasing number of individuals prioritising meaningful experiences over luxury and materialism. He highlights that spiritual and cultural travel have long been vital aspects of India’s tourism, and the recent growth in these sectors is particularly noteworthy.Godbole underlines those destinations such as Varanasi, Tirupati, Puri, and Rajasthan have consistently drawn travellers since 2021. As India’s interest in cultural and spiritual travel continues to grow, OYO remains dedicated to supporting local hotels and homeowners, fostering job opportunities, and contributing to the local economy.
In its commitment to promoting offbeat destinations in India, OYO said it has been creating platforms for budding entrepreneurs to thrive. The company recently partnered with the Government of Jammu & Kashmir for the ‘Crown of Incredible India’ initiative, aimed at facilitating the opening of homestays in 75 villages across the state and generating self-employment opportunities.
OYO has also ventured into agri-tourism in Ekta Nagar, empowering local farmers to diversify their income by establishing homestays. Furthering its mission, OYO has announced plans to launch 50 hotels in Ayodhya, contributing significantly to the city’s burgeoning tourism industry.
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