The approaching Independence Day long weekend has set the stage for a bustling period in the hospitality and travel industry across India. Hotels are witnessing a surge in bookings, particularly in sought-after destinations like Goa, Jim Corbett, Shimla, and Himachal Pradesh’s Storii Amoha Retreat. This surge in demand is attributed to the extended weekend, with people planning to take a leave on Monday, August 14th, thus enjoying a four-day break from Saturday through Tuesday.
Indiver Rastogi, the President and Group Head of Global Business Travel at Thomas Cook (India) and SOTC Travel, highlighted the heightened desire to travel during extended weekends. He mentioned that there has been a remarkable 2.5 times increase in travel demand compared to the previous year. Premium hotels are experiencing occupancy rates ranging from 80% to 100%, and this heightened demand has led to a noticeable 20% to 30% increase in room rates across various destinations.
ITC Hotels also reported a surge in bookings, particularly for their properties in Goa, Jim Corbett, Shimla, and the serene Storii Amoha Retreat in Himachal Pradesh. Travelers are drawn to these tranquil hills and serene beaches for a rejuvenating staycation experience.
Notably, even exclusive properties like Varawal Leopard Camp in Jawai are not exempt from this trend. The camp was sold out a month ago for the upcoming weekend, demonstrating the overwhelming demand. Pushpendra Singh Ranawat, the camp’s owner, revealed that bookings were made well in advance, with travelers from Mumbai, Delhi, Gujarat, Bengaluru, and Chennai securing their spots. Exclusive wildlife experiences, such as tracking hyena and fox families, have enhanced the appeal of such destinations.
Airfares have also witnessed a surge, with a 15% to 20% increase in fares booked 48 hours in advance. ixigo reported notable increases in spot fares for various flights, such as Mumbai-Jaipur and Bengaluru-Mumbai routes. However, despite these spikes, average fares booked in advance for many routes are lower compared to the previous year.
On the international front, popular short-haul destinations like Dubai, Bangkok, Singapore, Maldives, and Bali are drawing the attention of travelers. Domestically, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata are the top five destinations for the Independence Day weekend.
Taj Mahal, New Delhi, is gearing up for high occupancy during August, especially over the Independence Day weekend. The hotel is offering special packages to entice guests, showcasing transformed suites, luxury residences, and delightful culinary experiences.
The trend of Indian travelers embracing short trips throughout the year is further evident, with a 30% increase in last-minute flight bookings for the Independence Day weekend compared to the previous year. Rajesh Magow, the Co-Founder and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, highlighted a 22% rise in bookings for premium and luxury properties, signaling a focus on rest and relaxation as the primary motivation for the upcoming weekend.
As the nation prepares to celebrate Independence Day, it’s evident that this year’s long weekend is not only fostering a sense of freedom but also igniting a fervor for exploration and rejuvenation among travelers across India.
