Table of Contents
Key findings from Booking.com and McKinsey report on 'How India Travels': a study of the Indian traveller and the travel ecosystem
Pre COVID-19, Indian travellers spent a total of USD 150 billion on travel
India ranked sixth in terms of global spending on travel. This highlights India's rising position as a prominent tourism market globally, driven by factors like its expanding middle class, rising disposable incomes and greater airline connectivity.
By 2030, total expenditure made by Indian travellers will soar to an impressive USD 410 billion making India the fourth largest global spender and registering the quickest COVID recovery globally across key regions.
Number of Trips By Indians Are Expected to Cross 5 Billion by 2023
The number of aggregate trips is expected to increase from 2.3 billion in 2019 to a staggering 5 billion in 2030. This highlights the tremendous growth potential of the Indian travel market in the post-pandemic era. With rising incomes, increasing connectivity, and greater consumer confidence, travel demand is projected to expand significantly.
Food is priority while Travelling
Food forms an integral part of the travel experience for most Indian travelers.
According to Booking.com's survey, over 80% of Indian travellers valued restaurants and room service options among their top considerations while selecting a holiday destination.
Influence of Social Media is Big on Indian Travellers
In the year 2022, 91% of Indian travellers expressed that YouTube is their preferred social media platform for travel inspiration, followed by Instagram, which holds the interest of 85% of Indian travellers.
Right from destination discovery to mode of transport and type of activities, Indian travelers are swayed by personalized recommendations of social media influencers, bloggers, vloggers and their own peers. Shareable content on Instagram about hidden gems, secret spots and aesthetic captures provides major travel goals.
Influence of Movies and TV Shows
More than half (54%) of Indian travellers indicated that they would choose a destination showcased in a show or a movie. Only 2% of travellers see no influence. This indicates the increasing relevance and the impact created by celebrity partnerships and brand endorsements on destinations.
