In a report released by The Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) 2020 has been a year of change, which has altered the travel, tourism and hospitality landscape forever.
Health, hygiene and social distancing have been shaping travel, with reports indicating that over 90 per cent people view health and safety as a key consideration; with over 80 per cent travelers gravitating towards reputed brands for their plans.
With around 90 per cent people keen to resume travel, more and more travellers have been exploring the myriad beauty of India, leading to a rise in domestic travel.
Some of the key trends that carved the path of travel this 2020:
DRIVECATIONS
Over 80 per cent people indicated interest in travelling with family and loved ones, resulting in the growth of driving holidays as people were keen to travel to destinations within the close vicinity of their homes, leading to the discovery of offbeat locations.
Some travellers were even comfortable driving slightly longer distances to ensure that they could maintain a comfortable level of social distancing.
Destinations such as Goa, Rajasthan, Kerala, Uttarakhand and Karnataka, all driving distance from key cities, saw a rise in leisure travel in recent months.
STAYCATIONS
Confined to the safety of their homes, people sought creative yet safe ways to spend quality time with their close friends and family. Staycations have become increasingly popular at city hotels across Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi and Kolkata among others.
Combined with minimal required travel, low on holiday planning time, cost and carbon footprint, staycations came to be the perfect solution for travelers of all generations.
WORKATIONS
With the lines between work and play blurring in the past months, there has been a rising urge to escape the four walls of home and maximize work from rejuvenating environs like a beach, palace, mountains or by the pool.
People continue to book longer stays at hotels to balance time with family and inspire a burst of professional creativity.
HOMESTAYS
The premium homestay market in India witnessed a steady growth as travellers looked for more exclusive, unique, and immersive experiences.
Moreover, reports indicate that over 70 per cent people prefer longer holidays ranging from a week to 10 days.Homestays gave travellers an opportunity to bond together in beautiful private bungalows and villas at unique locations, while experiencing authentic local culture and heritage.
WELLNESS TRAVEL
The past few months compelled Indians to slow down and focus on health and wellbeing. The future of travel remains increasingly focussed on experiences that positively impact overall wellness.
There was a rising trend of travellers embarking on wellness retreats that allowed them to reconnect with nature, indulge in curated wellness menus and rejuvenate their body and mind.
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