Festivals are an important element of Indian culture, particularly because of the wide diversity and number of festivals celebrated. Naturally, this means that people frequently travel to commemorate these festivals, whether to their hometowns or to distant locations for a holiday. However, the coronavirus pandemic has made travel more difficult this year, as it has in 2020. However, with India appearing to be nearing the end of the pandemic’s second wave, it appears that travel is ramping up as the festive season approaches.
A Surge in Travel Bookings
According to various aggregators, bookings in the transportation and lodging industries have increased. The market has been displaying very strong growth in both the airline and hotel industries. The travel bookings are consistently increasing month after month. There is an increase of 10% to 15% increase in flight bookings as compared to last year. Nearly 75–85 percent of hotel reservations are made three days prior to departure, although aeroplane reservations are made much in advance.
However, higher bookings at this time of year are due to more than just the holidays. The present rise in bookings can be linked to those who are tired of working from home, rather than the holiday season. People are scheduling holidays more than anything else in order to get some fresh air.
Preferred Destinations and Packages
People want affordable solutions without sacrificing quality; they want a whole package where agents take care of giving options that meet all safety criteria and provide all-inclusive packages. Udaipur, Ladakh, Kashmir, and the Northeast are seeing an increase in visitors because they provide luxurious and safe accommodations.
Alok K SIngh, Co-founder and CEO, Travomint says, “We have noticed that travellers have gotten more picky and cleanliness concerned in terms of where they stay, which is why they choose branded properties. Villas with private pools are a season’s favourite, as they have piqued the curiosity of all travellers searching for a quiet weekend, while swimming pools in conventional hotels are shared by all guests and are non-operational according to protocol.
This is because they are willing to pay more for their stay, they still prefer to eat at decent restaurants rather than book hotels with food packages. Currently, guests choose rates that include breakfast and room only, although staycations (day usage packages) have experienced a significant increase in overall business.
Things to remember
Travellers should adhere to all of the Centre’s instructions as well as the specific state of travel. They should take any COVID-related tests ahead of time and carry the necessary credentials. Any significant journey should be scheduled ahead of time to avoid long lines and to familiarise themselves with the regulations of the state they will be visiting.
Before making any reservations, check with a travel agent to see what is acceptable and what is not. It’s also a good idea to look into health insurance before going because it covers any unexpected events that may occur at your location.
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