The Indian traveller, however, seems to be combining a zest for adventure with a need to spend pots of money.
Last minute bookings mean that Mumbaikars spend 50 per cent more on overseas travel
MUMBAI: The world, they say, is getting smaller, and continent-hopping has never been easier. The Indian traveller, however, seems to be combining a zest for adventure with a need to spend pots of money.
According to a recent survey, conducted by travel portal Travelocity, more than 50 per cent of Indian travellers wait for the last moment before planning their overseas holiday. In the process, they end up spending almost 50 per cent more on travel — 30 per cent extra on hotel accommodation, and 20 per cent more on airfare — due to last-minute bookings.
The survey also found that Indians travelled with very little lead time, and for short periods. According to the survey, 56 per cent of Indians make their hotel bookings in the same week that they are going to travel.
"In India, there is a trend towards last-minute hotel bookings. A similar trend can be seen for flight bookings," says Himanshu Singh, MD, Travelocity. "If they book early, they would get better deals." Take Arjun Khanna, who is set to travel to Dubai on February 7, for a one-week stay.
He, however, started looking for a hotel just one week before his travel date. This cost him at least 30 per cent more than the daily room rent. "Ideally, he should book a hotel two to three months in advance," says Joe Rajan, CEO, Harvey India, a travel and tours company.
With the economy booming, travel is no longer an annual ritual for Indians. A two-day weekend is reason enough for many Mumbaikars to jet set to Malaysia, Singapore, or Dubai.
Also, the easy availability of flights to these destinations, has allowed city travellers to regain a spontaneous spark. "As people travel throughout the year, hotel occupancy rates are on the rise," says Dhananjay Singh, regional director, Global Sales for Starwood Hotels.
The survey also states that Singapore, Hong Kong and Bangkok are the favoured destinations for Indians, as far as online hotel bookings are concerned. "It is mainly because these places are a lot cheaper than the US and Europe, and Indians can afford hotels there," says a source from Travelocity
s_naveeta@dnaindia.net
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