A recent study by a travel fintech start-up SanKash revealed that there was quite a lot 250% increase In solo travellers earlier this year. Travelers tend to explore not only themselves but also the world at their own pace and according to their preferences, without being swayed by the whims of other travelers, the report says.
“Post-pandemic, Millennials want to enjoy affordable and hassle-free travel experiences. The travel and tourism industry is booming and the number of bookings we have received is a testament to that,” said Akash Dahiya, Co-Founder and CEO of SanKash.
Jammu and Kashmir, Manali and Shimla emerged as the most popular destinations for solo travelers, the report said. Next came Mussoorie, Sikkim and Goa with booking rates of 9%, 7% and 5% respectively.
Last week, bookings data from online travel company Ixigo also showed that solo traveler bookings are up 62% this year compared to last year.
Additionally, the summer travel landscape from India is also seeing a shift towards more immersive experiences where travelers are looking for more relaxing itineraries. As a result, online travel company MakeMyTrip found that average nights booked for both domestic and international packages increased significantly compared to previous years.
Accor signs deal with Mercure Bhubaneswar to open its doors in 2025
hotel operator accord has signed a 98 room Mercure Bhubaneswar in the eastern state OdishaThe opening is planned for 2025. Specbru Hotels, part of Spectrum Group, which has a diverse interest in real estate, construction and hospitality businesses in Odisha, will develop the property.
Last year, accord announced plans to open mid-range hotels in metropolitan and budget brands in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in India. With a pipeline of 25 properties under development, the company aims to have more than 100 hotels by 2027 in the country. Accor is currently operating 58 objects in India under the Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, Pullman, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure and ibis brands. Early May, accord opened a 93 room Novotel Jodhpur ITI Circle in the north Indian state Rajasthan.
Air India Express launches “Xpress Ahead” services to reduce passenger waiting time
Owned by the Tata Group AirIndiais the low-cost carrier subsidiary Air India Express has presented its priority services, ‘Xpress ahead‘ for guests to ensure a smooth journey from check-in to landing for a small fee. These include premium services such as a dedicated airport check-in desk, priority baggage handling, priority boarding and expedited baggage delivery upon arrival.
Xpress Ahead services are currently available at Check-in counters at the airport until the switch closes. In addition, for domestic travel, guests flying on Air India Group’s sister airline AirAsia India You have the option to pre-book the service through the mobile app, the airline’s consolidated website airindiaexpress.com or at all domestic airports.
Boeing is sourcing more aircraft parts from India
Boeing is increasing sourcing of aircraft components from India and is also evaluating the potential to set up a manufacturing unit to capitalize on opportunities presented by the fastest growing aviation market, said Salil Gupte, President of Boeing India.
Boeing and its European competitor Airbus have together received firm orders for over 970 aircraft $120 billion in the last four months by Air India, part of the Tata group, and the low-cost airline IndiGo. Boeing has also landed an order from India’s newest airline, Akasa Air four more Boeing 737-8 Jets to be delivered in next four years. Last month, the company also announced a $100 million investment in infrastructure and pilot training programs in India.
Kerala devises a strategy to attract Arab tourists during the monsoon
The southern state Kerala prepares a marketing campaign aimed to woo travelers from the region gulf region in July and August. The state government has sanctioned $854,273 The campaign will focus on the airports in Dubai and Doha, the state tourism ministry said in a press release.
Kerala tourism presented its products and themes in Dubai during the 30th edition of the Arabian Travel Market and conducted roadshows in Riyadh, Dammam and Muscat. Tourism Minister Mohamed Riyas said Kerala is now looking to significantly increase the number of foreign tourists after seeing a record number of domestic tourists. Kerala Tourism also plans to develop attractive packages for Arab tourists, who often come in large groups and vacation in specific destinations, the statement said.
Indian Hotels Company’s SeleQtions Hotel debuts in Bhubaneswar
Owned by the Tata Group Indian hotel company (IHCL) has opened The Crown, Bhubaneswar – IHCL selection Eastern State Hotel Odisha. The 81-room hotel is a short drive from Biju Patnaik International Airport. With the addition of this hotel, IHCL has six multi-brand hotels in the state, including two under development.
Just last week, the company opened a 90-room Vivanta Jammu, City Center in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and signed a management agreement with real estate developer Ambuja Neotia Group for a 155-room Taj Ganga Kutir Resort & Spa in Raichak, eastern West Bengal state. IHCL plans to reach a portfolio of 300 hotels by 2025.
Indians secure second place with the greatest confidence Asia Pacific traveler
Despite economic challenges, 86% of Indian travelers are optimistic about their future travel plans, while 61% have no intention of postponing their travel plans in the next 12 months Booking.com‘s latest edition of the Asia Pacific Travel Confidence Index. Of the 11 Asia Pacific markets surveyed, India is the country with the second most confident travelerclose behind Hong Kong, the company said in a statement.
“In addition to the high level of travel confidence that makes India one of the top three countries, Indian travelers are also most interested in prioritizing Sustainable travel,” called Santosh KumarCountry Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia at Booking.com.
Indian travelers have a stronger propensity to explore their own country (43%), believe in the power of travel for personal growth (40%) and desire to foster meaningful connections while traveling (33%). Three in five would prefer to travel during the long weekend holidays, with the majority wanting to travel to North or South India. When it comes to travel experiences, Indians like to look for nature and scenic spots, followed by beaches and food.
Spree Hospitality signs a new property in Vellore
online travel platform EaseMyTrip-own hotel company Spree hospitality has signed a second property in Vellore in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. The opening of the 46-room hotel is planned for March 2024.
In the last three months the company opened a 34 keys Spree One Resort & Convention in Annavaram Andhra Pradesh and a 60-room Zip by Spree Hotels Purple Orchid in Bengaluru. Spree Hospitality, which currently operates over 30 hotels under Spree And Zip from Spree Brands across India will add 10 new properties over the next few months and 50 new ones by the end of the next fiscal year.