Here are the 5 key travel trends takeaway from the survey.
The Indian traveller, once identified as a budget seeker, is now actively looking for more holistic travel experiences. According to the findings of Airbnb's India Travel Trends Survey, travellers include a preference for social media when making bookings, connectivity (WiFi) as the most requested indoor amenity, a penchant for luxurious outdoor amenities such as pools, multi-generational family travel tendencies and eco-friendly accommodations options.
Commenting on the evolving preferences of the Indian traveller, Amanpreet Bajaj, Country Manager, Airbnb, India, "All over India, we are noticing a new era of travel and hospitality, with consumers who are sure of their preferences, now more than ever before. The new age Indian traveller now places greater importance on travel in their life, and is using it as a way to break away from their everyday routine to discover themselves and the world. With Airbnb, travellers have the opportunity to experience travel on their terms across the diverse passion points that inspire them."
Airbnb commissioned a survey in 10 cities in India amongst 10,000 Male & female respondents amongst the age of 18-54 via Pollfish in July 2018 to better understand what amenities modern travellers crave most.
So what makes Indian tourist tick? Let's find out.
1. Social media determines the choice of accommodation for the Indian traveller
)
A key finding of the survey showcased that a staggering 94% of respondents consider social media when booking an accommodation. Whether it is for traveller reviews, recommendations or just pictures of the home, social media plays a large role in helping Indians find the perfect accommodation.
2. Internet connectivity and WiFi emerged as the most important indoor amenity for the Indian traveller
)
In our always-connected world, consistent internet connectivity and access to WiFi emerged an essential for travellers. With the digital revolution continuing to take India by a storm, the Indian traveller has embraced this global phenomenon of staying connected at all times. This is reflected in the fact that, 47% of the Survey respondents across India cited WiFi as the most important amenity that helps them choose an accommodation.
3. Indian’s are increasingly looking for luxurious accommodations with pools
)
Many Indians travellers are now actively seeking luxurious experiences and having access to a pool emerged a key factor while choosing accommodation options. For leisure travellers, especially those travelling with kids, nothing can be more fun than all-day pool access and 48% of the Survey respondents rated pools as a top outdoor amenity.
4. Indian Travellers opt for ‘Family-friendly’ Homes
)
India is witnessing a considerable rise in family travel and the survey noted that nearly 51% of Indian travellers opted for family-friendly amenities such as playsets, garden areas, activity zones, TV, and access to books as the most important amenities while choosing an accommodation. Amongst travellers in the age group of 45-54 years, this number further spiked to 66%.
5. Sustainability is the future
)
A final trend that emerged from the survey is the rising interest amongst Indian travellers in making sustainable choices. A majority of respondents actively sought eco-friendly features.
