2020 has been one of change, which has altered the tourism and hospitality landscape forever. Health, hygiene and social distancing have been shaping travel, with reports indicating that more than 90% of people view health and safety as a key consideration, with more than 80% of travelers gravitating towards reputed brands for their travel plans. In fact, around 90% of people are keen to resume travel. The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) identified some of the key trends that have carved the path of travel in 2020:

Drivecations

More than 80% of people indicated interest in traveling with family and loved ones, resulting in the growth of driving holidays as people were keen to travel to destinations within close vicinity of their homes, leading to the discovery of offbeat locations. Some travelers were even comfortable driving slightly longer distances to ensure that they could maintain a comfortable level of social distancing. Destinations such as Goa, Rajasthan, Kerala, Uttarakhand and Karnataka, all driving distance from key cities, saw a rise in leisure travel in recent months.

Staycations

Confined to the safety of their homes, people have been seeking creative yet safe ways to spend quality time with their close friends and family. Staycations have become increasingly popular at city hotels across Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi and Kolkata, among others. Combined with minimal required travel, low on holiday planning time, cost and carbon footprint, staycations are perfect for travelers of all generations.

Workations

With the lines between work and play blurring in the past months, there has been a rising urge to escape the four walls of home and maximize work from rejuvenating environs like a beach, palace, mountains or by the pool. People are booking longer stays at hotels to balance time with family and inspire a burst of professional creativity.

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