Indian travellers are gearing up for an adventurous year ahead, with a surge in spending, adoption of travel hacks, and a growing inclination towards solo adventures, according to the American Express 2024 Global Travel Trends Report.
With a whopping 62% of Indian respondents planning to allocate more funds towards travel this year, compared to the global average of 40%, Indians are displaying a keen interest in enriching their travel experiences in 2024. The report highlights that while splurging more on travel, Indians are also keen on maximizing value by leveraging travel hacks to make their journeys more affordable and fulfilling.
An overwhelming 65% of Indian respondents are eyeing more domestic trips, with 48% also planning to venture out on more international escapades this year. In a bid to optimize their travel budgets, a significant 43% of Indian travellers are utilizing credit card points to offset flight and hotel expenses, while 42% are opting for companies offering complimentary hotel benefits such as room upgrades and credits.
Mr Sanjay Khanna, CEO and Country Manager of American Express Banking Corp., India, emphasized the evolving travel preferences of Indian consumers, stating, “Indian travellers are embracing the spirit of adventure and exploration in 2024, driven by a desire for new experiences and cultural immersion. From using travel hacks to embarking on solo journeys, Indians are redefining the travel landscape with their changing preferences and behaviours.”
Food and accommodation reign supreme for Indian travellers, with 71% prioritizing food experiences and 67% placing importance on accommodation. Beach vacations, outdoor adventures, and metropolitan travel are among the top choices for Indian travellers, with 67%, 58%, and 55% respectively expressing interest in these types of trips.
Solo travel is gaining popularity among Indian adults, with 34% planning to embark on solo trips more frequently this year, compared to the global average of 18%. The allure of solo travel lies in self-love and self-discovery, with 84% of Indian solo travellers planning trips centred around treating themselves and reconnecting with themselves being cited as the top reasons for solo travel.
Additionally, the report highlights a growing trend towards spontaneous travel, with 58% of Indian travellers expressing interest in last-minute trips. Exploring new cities, dining, nightlife, and excursions are some aspects of the trip that Indians prefer to keep spontaneous.
For sports enthusiasts, travel is not just about sightseeing but also about experiencing adrenaline-pumping events firsthand. A notable 29% of Indian respondents plan to travel more often for sporting events in 2024, with football/soccer, Formula 1, and the 2024 Paris Olympics topping the list of preferred sporting events.
The American Express 2024 Global Travel Trends Report surveyed a sample of 2005 US Adults, 1007 Australian Adults, 1002 Canadian and UK Adults, 1002 Japanese Adults, 1006 Mexican Adults, and 1005 Indian Adults between January 31 and February 8, 2024. The interviews were conducted online, and results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 2-4 percentage points.
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