Booking.com - Here is where Indians are travelling for the upcoming holiday season

Nature getaways and coastal areas continue to be the most sought-after holiday for domestic travel

Metropolitan cities emerge as the top preferred destinations for international travel

Mumbai, December 2022 – December officially marks the beginning of the holiday season and

Booking.com, one of the world’s leading online travel companies, has released its latest search data

trends that shed light on Indian travelers’ preferred destinations during this time 1 . With most travel

restrictions lifted and the world opening up again, it marks a promising return of travel for Indian

travellers who are ready to get back out there and make the most of their holidays.

As per the Booking.com APAC Travel Confidence Index released earlier, beach, nature/mountains and

road trips are among the top 5 most preferred trip types by Indian travellers and this is reflective in the

most searched destinations for the upcoming holiday season. Data from Booking.com reveals that Indian

travellers prefer hill stations, beaches and historical destinations when it comes to domestic travel with

Pondicherry topping the list followed by Lonavala and Manali.

● Puducherry and Goa featured as the most preferred beach destinations

● Udaipur and Jaipur featured as the most preferred historical destinations

● Lonavala, Manali, Munnar and Shimla featured as the most preferred hill stations

Top 10 most searched destinations by Indian travellers for domestic travel with check in dates

between December 24, 2022 to January 2, 2023

1. Puducherry

2. Lonavala

3. Manali

4. Udaipur

5. Mumbai

6. Jaipur

7. Goa

8. Bengaluru

9. Munnar

10. Shimla

Exploring the world is back on the list again for Indians. When it comes to international travel, Indians

are searching for metropolitan cities to celebrate the festive season and ring in the new year. Bangkok

and Singapore continue to be South-East Asia’s most popular destinations, while Dubai remains at the

top as the most popular destination for Indian travellers.

Top 10 most searched international destinations by Indians with check in dates between December

24,2022 to January 2, 2023

1. Dubai, UAE

2. Bangkok, Thailand

3. Singapore, Singapore

4. London, UK

5. Paris, France

6. Patong Beach, Thailand

7. North Male, Maldives

8. Colombo, Sri Lanka

9. Phuket, Thailand

10. Ubud, Bali

When it comes to the top 15 searched destinations searched by global travellers overall for the holiday

season, Paris, London and Dubai are the most searched destinations.

Top 15 most searched destinations globally by all travellers with check in dates between December

24, 2022 to January 2, 2023

1. Paris, France

2. London, UK

3. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

4. Amsterdam, Netherlands

5. Roma, Italy

6. Tokyo, Japan

7. Barcelona, Spain

8. Prague, Czech Republic

9. Wien, Austria

10. New York, USA

Mr. Santosh Kumar, Country Manager, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia at Booking.com, “The

last few years have taught us that travel should not be taken for granted. After two years of travel

restrictions, travellers are feeling overwhelmingly more optimistic about travelling. It is encouraging to

see Indian travellers exploring different destinations both within India and abroad with a more positive

outlook towards travel. As people remain enthusiastic and book their holidays, Booking.com will

continue to make it easier for everyone to create their unique travel memories as they experience what

these different destinations have to offer during the year end and beyond”

METHODOLOGY

¹ This report looks at the top searched destinations between 07-11-2022 and 27-11-2022, with check-in dates

between 24-12-2022 and 02-01-2023.

The Royal Treatment: Booking.com Shares Five Dazzling Locations Behind the Stately TV Series Hitting Screens this Fall

From castles to international tours, the royal family visits some of the most prestigious and beautiful places around the world making them some of the most seasoned travelers around. Viewers will get a glimpse of these scenic backdrops in the popular and award-winning biopic of the British monarchy which airs a fifth season on 9th November. After the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in September, viewership of the series has increased as many wish to immerse themselves in her extraordinary life and the incredible legacy she leaves behind. With over a third (37%)* of global travelers intending to visit a destination that was featured in a TV show, Booking.com presents five filming locations where the best scenes from this dramatically regal TV series were captured. From medieval cities in the UK to Mediterranean coasts and mountainous highland ranges, there’s a destination for every traveler to feel like a member of the royal family.

 

Winchester, United Kingdom

The medieval city of Winchester has had special relations with kings and queens for centuries, as the home of King Arthur’s mythical roundtable. Today, Winchester is a charming destination and one of the smallest cities in the UK, perfect to explore by foot. Blessed with beautiful architecture and quaint streets featuring cozy cafes and independent boutiques, visitors can dawdle and take in the welcoming atmosphere. The historical jewel of the city is Winchester Cathedral, which was used as a filming location in the series for the rehearsal of the glamorous British royal wedding that took place in 1981. Also posed as St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey across the five series for dramatic wedding and funeral scenes, the cathedral is one of England’s largest and is widely acknowledged as a magnificent gothic masterpiece. For history fanatics, a City Literary Heritage Walking Tour will give visitors the opportunity to discover the most noteworthy authors from the UK who called Winchester home. From the city’s 12th-century gateway to the grand Great Hall and Jane Austen’s house, the tour is a fantastic way to soak up the culture followed by a tipple in a local pub. Outside of the city, nature enthusiasts can venture to the surrounding woodland and meadows for a brisk country walk or stroll by the River Itchen for picturesque views.

Where to stay: Located just a short walk from Winchester Cathedral and the city center, Wykeham Arms is a charming inn dating back to the 18th century offering visitors a cozy stay. Tucked away in the quietest corner of the city, the hotel offers delicious heartwarming food and local ales which guests can tuck into next to the roaring log fire. For the 29% of travelers who plan to book a pet-friendly accommodation on their next vacation*, the inn welcomes animals so guests can go on brisk dog walks with their furry friends – corgis approved.

Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa has played its own starring role in the hit series as the go-to filming location to capture both tropical and mesmerizing scenes. Used as the backdrop for some of the most famous historical royal tours of the Commonwealth, filming locations in South Africa have doubled up as Kenya, Melbourne, the Amazon and Bermuda across all five series. Visitors can, quite literally, find the diversely rich places behind these tropical destinations along the stunning Western Cape where the magnificent Atlantic and Indian oceans meet. The incredible capital city of Cape Town is a popular destination for both royals and global visitors – a multicultural haven boasting golden sand beaches and crowned by the magnificent Table Mountain which can be conquered by foot or cable car. The city’s delicious seafood and local wines are a must-try and whale watching and a visit to the penguins at Boulders Beach is fantastic for nature enthusiasts. For a once in a lifetime birds-eye view and to travel in style like a royal, travelers can book a Scenic Helicopter Flight to take in the incredible landscape of Cape Town from above and fly over the world-renowned beaches of the western seaboard.

Where to stay: The Cape Town Skyroof apartment LOADSHED PROOF Ocean Views offers guests a luxurious stay fit for royalty with unbelievable views of the city and ocean. Windsurfing and hiking can be enjoyed in close proximity to the apartment and the stay even offers BBQ facilities, perfect to enjoy the South African lifestyle. Featuring a private pool and luxe outdoor hot tub, guests can unwind on the sun terrace with a relaxing dip. The apartment is also a Booking.com Travel Sustainable stay and offsets a portion of its carbon footprint.


Scottish Highlands
, United Kingdom
The British royal family’s love affair with Scotland is undeniable and this, of course, extends to the picturesque Scottish Highlands. One of the most beloved places of Her Late Majesty the Queen, the spectacular scenery surrounding Balmoral Castle was the backdrop of countless summers for the royal family. With 83% of travelers reporting that beautiful natural scenery is a key motivation for their next vacation,* the Scottish Highlands offers travelers an unforgettable trip deep in nature, along with its many romantic castles and fascinating history. The dramatic landscapes feature in the hit series, which set the stage for Balmoral at the Ardverikie Estate in Kinloch Laggan – a grand location with Victorian roots and an incredible ballroom used for traditional Scottish dancing known as reeling. For active travelers who would rather wear walking boots rather than kilts, the UK’s largest national park in Cairngorms offers jaw-dropping views and incredible hiking trails, cycling, watersports and skiing in the winter season. For visitors wishing to see many of the postcard-worthy sites in a day, a Loch Ness and Highlands of Scotland Tour departs from Edinburgh and takes travelers from Stirling Castle to Glencoe and from Loch Laggan to Loch Ness – monster sightings cannot be guaranteed but travelers are strongly encouraged to keep their eyes peeled and cameras at the ready.

Where to stay: Balsporran Bed and Breakfast offers a welcoming and cozy stay in a remote location surrounded by stunning scenery – and just a short drive away from Kinloch Laggan and the Ardverikie Estate. Before an active day of hiking or cycling or some more leisurely fishing on the nearby river, guests can tuck into warming Scottish porridge to give them the energy needed to explore the Highlands. Travelers can relax and refuel after a day of adventure with a delicious cream tea of scones and jam for the proper royal treatment.

Malaga, Spain

Located on the Mediterranean coast of the Costa del Sol, and situated in the Andalusian region of Spain, Malaga doubled up as Australia during the tour of the then Prince Charles and Princess Diana in 1983. It has also been presented as the glamorous island of Mustique in the TV series. Recently this year, the stars of the show were spotted on a glamorous speedboat in the local area of San Telmo filming an exciting scene for the upcoming series. Travelers can experience a cruise along the coast themselves by booking a Sailing and Swimming Cruise in Málaga on an incredible catamaran, and relax on the boat's deck and dive into the crystal blue ocean in style. Besides a huge stretch of sunny beaches, Malaga has a lively atmosphere popular with both tourists and locals who appreciate the blend of ancient and modern culture. Visitors can explore the trendy bars and food markets offering delicious local tapas and discover the old town full of streetside cafes and historic squares.

Where to stay: Vincci Larios Diez is a luxurious boutique hotel in the heart of Malaga and a short walk from La Malagueta Beach and the San Telmo area – the key filming location used in the show. Featuring a fantastic restaurant serving a modern spin on Spanish cuisine and stylish, modern interiors, the hotel also boasts panoramic views of the city. Guests can recline on a sun lounger on one of the hotel room’s terraces and order a cooling cocktail at the end of the day.

For those looking to travel like royalty themselves, Booking.com is sharing Late Escape Deals to make it easier for them to tick another destination off their 2022 wishlist. Discounts start at 15 percent at participating properties indicated by the “Late Escape Deals” badge, and are valid for stays with check-out on or before 3 January 2023. In addition, Booking.com is giving travelers around the world the keys to unlock a new level of additional perks with the introduction of a third tier to its Genius loyalty program. Designed to make every trip a better experience, Booking.com’s loyalty program is completely free, easily accessible and membership lasts a lifetime – travelers simply need to create an account to achieve Genius status for life. As Genius members unlock new levels, they get access to larger discounts and more travel rewards that never expire. All travelers have to do is sign into their Booking.com account and look for the Genius logo to identify benefits, discounts and perks.

 

*Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of 48,413 respondents across 31 markets (2,000 from USA, 1,864 from Canada, 1,999 from Mexico, 2,003 from Colombia, 2,005 from Brazil, 2,002 from Argentina, 1,020 from Chile, 1,777 from Australia, 818 from New Zealand, 1,999 from Spain, 2,002 from Italy, 1,998 from France, 1,990 from UK, 2,005 from Germany, 2,003 from Netherlands, 985 from Denmark, 999 from Sweden, 910 from Croatia, 918 from Switzerland, 1,986 from Belgium, 998 from Russia, 953 from Israel, 1,999 from India, 1,990 from China, 901 from Hong Kong, 1,775 from Thailand, 1,001 from Singapore, 975 from Taiwan, 1,800 from Vietnam, 1,757 from South Korea, 1,001 from Japan). In order to participate in this survey, respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have traveled at least once  for business or leisure in the past 12 months, and planning to travel in 2022 and be either the primary decision maker or involved in the decision making of their travel. The survey was taken online and took place in January 2022.


 




Booking.com shares insight into what Indian travellers expect from the industry post pandemic

Booking.com shares insight into what Indian travellers expect from the industry post pandemic

To ensure health and safety, 88% of Indian travellers are willing to share their medical information in order to receive customized alerts on health concerns in the locations they are visiting

 

Key Highlights:

  • 89% of Indian travellers would postpone or cancel a trip if they saw a rise in COVID-19 cases at their travel destination

  • 67% of Indian travellers feel safety is a top consideration when booking travel

  • 62% of Indian travellers plan to book their next trip through digital travel companies

  • Guidance on what to expect from travels, easy access to customer support and access to flexible cancellations and clear refund information are the top three types of support Indian travellers expect from travel providers

 

Mumbai, July 20, 2022 –  New research released by Booking.com, the world’s leading online travel company, highlights Indian travelers Indians are eager to make their travel dreams a reality in the next few months while keeping health and safety in mind, with 88% of Indian travellers willing to share their medical history, current medical fitness and location tracking in order to potentially receive customized alerts on health concerns in the locations they are traveling to.

 

Personalization in the post-pandemic world

One of the biggest trends to emerge in the post-pandemic world is personalization. Traveller preferences are intimately personal, and a one-size-fits-all approach no longer works with 80% of Indian travellers who are okay to provide more of their personal information to their travel partners in exchange for a more personalized travel experience.


The insights have been drawn from Booking.com’s inaugural APAC Travel Confidence Index, which provides a snapshot of how confident consumers feel about exploring the world again and their motivation to travel. The commissioned research, which polled 11,000 travellers from 11 countries and territories¹ across Asia Pacific, combined with the company’s proprietary data and insights as a digital travel leader for the past 25 years, offers insights into the region’s travel confidence.

Top considerations and motivators for travellers while travelling

The Travel Confidence Index explores the overall considerations, motivators, and concerns of consumers across Asia-Pacific and how this varies across the region. According to the research findings, the desire to travel remains strong amongst Indian travellers, with safety (67%), cost (44%) and the variety of destinations and hotels/resorts (42%) being the top three considerations. When asked about their biggest motivators to travel, ‘assurance on health and safety’ emerged as one of the top motivators voted by 25% of Indian travellers, followed by 23% of Indian travellers having an intention to take a break from work  and 20% of Indian travellers wanting a new accommodation experience. 

 

Top travel deterrents amidst uncertainty

Unsurprisingly, uncertainty due to the constantly evolving COVID-19 situation continues to plague travellers. When asked about their top concerns and what would prevent them from booking a trip, ‘possibility of getting stuck because of frequently changing border regulations’ was listed as the top deterrent by 35% of Indian travellers (APAC 37%). This was followed by ‘travel cost’ and fear of having to undergo quarantine both at 33% each. (APAC average of 38% and 37% respectively).

In fact, the research findings put an increased emphasis on flexibility in travel bookings, as 89% of Indian travellers would postpone or cancel a trip if they saw a rise in COVID-19 cases at their travel destination.

Support Indian travellers expect from accommodation partners

According to the research, following the pandemic, there is a 5% increase in Indians wanting to book their next trip through online travel companies with 62% Indian travellers planning to book their next trip through Online Travel Companies such as Booking.com.

 

While making travel plans, Indian travellers are also seeking support from airlines, hotels and online travel companies in order to travel with peace of mind. Based on The Travel Confidence Index, 49% of Indian travellers anticipate travel companies to provide them with guidance on what to expect from their trip as well as 48% of Indian travellers wanting easy access to customer support. 47% of Indian travellers are also seeking clear instructions on any requirements that airlines or accommodations may have and 47% of Indian travellers want access to flexible cancellation with clear refund information is another aspect Indians consider when travelling in peace.

 

Ritu Mehrotra, Commercial Director, APAC at Booking.com said, “It is exciting to see India emerge at the top of Booking.com’s APAC Travel Confidence Index. The findings highlight Indian travellers' love for travel and readiness to explore the world once again. And while travel optimism remains strong, it's inspiring to know that the intent to travel sustainably is also a key consideration for Indian travellers. The overall insights are a promising indication of the opportunities available for the industry to adapt and collaborate now to bolster the overall confidence of travellers, so we can truly make it easier for everyone to travel and experience the world again - now and in the years to come.”

 

Pedal to these top cycling destinations, as determined by Booking.com travellers

Pedal to these top cycling destinations, as determined by Booking.com travelers

                                                                           

Whether pedaling along a serene river in the countryside or freewheeling down mountainous terrain, there’s nothing more energizing than a cycling holiday. This is a journey that you can take at your own pace. While it may seem like hard work at first, cyclists can be rewarded for their efforts with the most incredible views and hidden gems discovered, proving that there’s no better way to explore a destination than by bicycle.

So, this World Bicycle Day, Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travelers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, shares five top cycling destinations across the world, as endorsed by hundreds of thousands of Booking.com travelers.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

The charming Dutch capital is known for having about two bikes for every resident, so wherever you go on two wheels – you won’t be alone! Topping the charts for destinations endorsed for cycling by Booking.com travelers, cycling in Amsterdam is a way of life thanks to its unbeatable network of bike paths, cycle routes, and flat landscape. Rent a city bike and pedal like a local along the canals or through one of Amsterdam’s beautiful parks. While in Amsterdam, check another authentic Dutch experience off the bucket list by staying at the Houseboat Ms 3 Gebroeders, a houseboat hotel located just 350 metres from Amsterdam Central Station and surrounded by a variety of cafes and restaurants. Want to get out of the hustle and bustle? Head out of the city centre to these Dutch countryside destinations.

 

Copenhagen, Denmark

The Dutch are known for cycling, but they are not the only ones to know that life is better on two wheels. Denmark is also a top bicycle-friendly country. Highly endorsed by Booking.com travelers for cycling, the Danish capital Copenhagen gives Amsterdam a ride for its money. While zipping around Copenhagen on two wheels, take a break and rest your head at the Copenhagen Island Hotel.  Located close to the famous bicycle bridge (aka the “cykleslangen” or Cycle Snake), the hotel offers ultra-modern and stylish rooms, Wi-Fi, and access to the gym and sauna. But, most importantly, it offers guests bicycle hire to allow them to enjoy Copenhagen as the locals do – by bicycle!

 

Valencia, Spain

Valencia is manageable in size and boasts nearly 80 kilometres of bicycle paths, explaining its appeal to those with a passion for cycling. And unlike the previous two European destinations mentioned, Valencia enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate all year around, making the sun-drenched city perfect to explore by bicycle all year around. While enjoying this mediaeval town, stay at the Flatsforyou Bed and Bike. These centrally located apartments feature private sun terraces, Wi-Fi and funky decorations made out of bikes – not to mention bicycle hire.

 

Moab, USA

For the more experienced cyclists, pack your mountain bike and helmet and head to Arches National Park just outside of Moab, Utah to explore the many adventurous slick-rock trails, which comes highly endorsed for mountain biking by Booking.com travelers. While kicking up some dust on these world-class trails, keep your eyes open for dinosaur tracks and fossils and the ever-more modern rock art. Stay at the Aarchway Inn, a unique inn located just a five minutes drive from Arches National Park Entrance Station. It offers guests complimentary Wi-Fi, shuttles to the National Park, and last but not least, an outdoor pool and hot tub - perfect for relaxing after an intense day of a mountain bike.

 

Riva del Garda, Italy

Riva del Garda opens its doors to the mountain bike season with 40,000 visitors and 3,000 athletes tail whipping into the tiny town for various bike fairs, marathons, and exhibitions. With a thousand meters of trails for all abilities, breath-taking scenery, and unparalleled natural beauty, Riva del Garda is a mountain biking lover’s dream. After a full day of cycling, relax your tired legs at the Du Park Grand Resort and make use of its two swimming pools, wellness facilities, and fitness center. Bike rental is available for those who want to explore the surrounding area but don’t travel with their bicycle.

 

National Pet Day: Five things to keep in mind while looking for a pet-friendly accommodation

 

National Pet Day: Five things to keep in mind while looking for a pet-friendly accommodation

 

It can be heart-breaking to leave your beloved pet behind while you embark on your next adventure. But with an increasing number of travellers looking to take their smaller halves with them as well as more and more accommodations and airlines catering to those with pets, there’s really no reason your furry adventurers can’t join in the fun.

 

On the occasion of National Pet Day, Booking.com shares top tips on what to look for in a pet-friendly stay. With the summer travel season upon us along with the easing travel restrictions, now is the best time to explore the world with your furry companion by your side! Be it an off-beat beach destination or a chilly hill station, make sure you keep the below in mind while planning a trip with your pets.

 

Select accommodations using smart filters

Technology has today compensated for the geographical distance there is between our homes and a holiday destination, as we conveniently book accommodations through various applications. A pet owner would agree that booking the right accommodation ahead of their arrival at the destination is very important for a pleasant trip. To make the process even smoother, pet owners can search for accommodations that are pet-friendly by using the ‘pet-friendly’ filter on Booking.com and ensure a comfortable stay for their pet. Travellers must also look for reviews on the website or app to understand fellow travellers and pooch parents' first-hand experience at the accommodation. Do read through the fine print to confirm the pet fee.

 

Make sure the staff is known for loving—not just dealing with—pets!

While shortlisting an accommodation, make sure you speak with the staff ahead of your booking to make sure they are not just comfortable, but also fond of pets. This will enhance your pet’s experience and help in managing the anxiety arising from the journey. After all, a lovable environment is what your pet is used to and it's important to maintain a similar environment. During your stay, travellers you must be proud of your pooch instead of dodging disapproving looks as you walk in the corridor. Ensuring the staff’s love for pets will help you avoid any displeasing situation.

 

Check out the scenery or nearby parks to make sure your precious pup can run and roam

Travelling is a far bigger experience for pets as they are taken out of their natural habitat. While making pets completely comfortable with travelling is a gradual process, giving your pooch a setting that makes them the happiest is one of the ways you can get them to have a positive association with travelling. And what better than having an open space where your pets can run to the fullest and roam about freely. Travellers must access the images of the accommodations to ensure there is enough and more open and scenic space for their furry companions to cherish the destination, as much as you do!

 

  1. See if spa days and grooming services are available for your little love

Grooming and keeping your pet’s health is a number one priority. And travelling with pets means exploring the various landscapes the destination has to offer - be it the sandy beaches or muddy trek trails. The aftermath of such experiences for pets is the need for grooming and cleaning to ensure their health is not affected. Having such spa or grooming services at an accommodation helps travellers save the hassle of the upkeep of their pets. It also lets you and your pets be papered during your stay, providing a truly enriching and relaxing time.

 

Check for availability of gourmet pet menus

Remember that the food can make or break a trip, for you and your dog. Travellers must make sure the pet-friendly accommodation has enough and more food supplies for your pet so that you don’t have to carry an extra load of luggage to feed your pet. Many accommodations provide paw-fect gourmet menus to treat the taste buds of our little ones. The lipsmacking menus are also Instagram worthy as you can share your experience with the fellow pet parents, and inspire them to keep their furry friends by their side for their next trip. Travellers must call the accommodation ahead of their arrival to inform about any allergies their pets may have.

 

 

 

 

NEWS | Getaways booked out as Delhiites head for hills

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There is an increase in consumers wanting safe vacations and destinations like Manali, Rishikesh, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Shimla and Mussoorie are on their list of popular destination according to Booking.com

From #lockdowndiaries to #wanderlust, the rapid change in priorities of Delhiites is evident — both on social media and on the highways. There’s a scramble to head out of the city, leaving the roads to Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the nearest getaways, choked with cars.

Most hotels in the hills or those close to the capital are sold out for the coming weekend. Ritu Mehrotra, regional manager (South Asia), Booking.com, disclosed, “We are seeing an increase in consumers wanting a safe vacation. Based on recent data, some of the most searched Indian destinations, besides New Delhi and Gurgaon, for the weekend of June 19-20 are Manali, Rishikesh, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Shimla and Mussoorie.”

Even hotels close by in Alwar and Manesar are almost fully booked for the weekend. City lodges too are expecting a busy time ahead.

The hills have ‘ayes’: A boost for hoteliers


Benita Sharma, area manager, North luxury hotels, ITC, said both their properties — the newly opened Welcomhotel Tavleen Chail and ITC Grand Bharat in Manesar — are sold out for the coming weekend. She said ‘drive cations and ‘safe staycations’, which gained popularity last year, aren’t just fads but here to stay and concepts such as ‘gourmet bubble’ are gaining popularity. Group restaurants Bukhara and Dum Pukht too are set to be crowded on June 19 and 20.

The rush to drive to nearby destinations has been a boon for domestic boutique hotels and chains. While Vinit Chhabra, general manager, The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Kashmir, reported a growing demand and impressive occupancy this month, Danish Din, director of The Golden Dragon Hotel, Ladakh, too was inundated with queries for June and July. Ahsan Shervani of Shervani Hilltop in Nainital said even the October-February offseason looks likely to be as good as the peak season.

“With families having been confined to home for so long, people are clamouring for leisure experiences,” observed Vibhas Prasad, Director, Leisure Hotels Group. “They will drive for long holidays to wide-open spaces amidst nature and mountains away from the summer heat.” Rahul Puri, general manager of The Westin Gurgaon and The Westin Sohna Resort and Spa, claimed a 30% growth in leisure guests and steadily rising average occupancy. Puri said the group’s Sohna property is proving popular for staycations because of activities like a petting zoo, horse riding, moon gazing and cycling.

City hotels such as The Lodhi too are expecting a busy weekend. Ever since the hotel reopened and dining in was allowed, it has received queries about weekend stays.

Simran Kodesia, communications head, Airbnb India & South East Asia, noted that while weekend trips to the hills were on the rise since the easing of the lockdown, the travellers were not letting their guard down. “Health and safety are top of mind for both the hotel hosts and guests, and we can discern an increasing number of travellers looking for secluded accommodations, tree houses, apple orchards and homes that are private but afford them a unique and immersive travel experience,” Kodesia pointed out. Hotels and websites too are being meticulous about vaccinating their staff and installing heightened safety measures to reassure the stir-crazy travellers.

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Hungary Fines Booking.com Operator 6.1 Million Pounds for Unfair Practices - Reuters

Hungarian competition watchdog GVH has fined online reservation operator Booking.com <BKNG.O> 2.5 billion forints (6.1 million pounds) for unfair business practices, including misleading advertisements and psychological pressure on consumers.

The watchdog said in setting the fine it had taken into account the Netherlands-based company's fee income from the Hungarian market following a probe into the website launched in 2018.

"Booking.com B.V. has led unfair business practices by misleading advertisements claiming free cancellation for some accommodation as well as by exerting aggressive psychological pressure to facilitate faster bookings," the GVH said.

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Booking.com plans for lay offs after landing $4bn loan

Online travel agent Booking.com has told employees in an internal memo that layoffs from the company are "probable", just days after the Financial Times reported it had received a $4 billion loan in bonds from investors to fend off severe effects caused by the coronavirus crisis.

In a video conference held with hundreds of employees, Booking.com chief executive Glenn Fogel is believed to have said cost-cutting would likely be necessary across different parts of the company, according to the Financial Times' report.

One of Booking.com's key competitors, Expedia Group, has already been forced to make 3000 employees redundant  since the turn of the year as reality bites.

Booking.com is committing to slash marketing expenditure, executive salaries and hirings for the foreseeable future, as a major cost-cutting exercise and bookings continue to drop to 85 per cent year-on-year in April compared to the same period in 2019.

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OYO Accused Of Listing Treebo Hotels Without Clearances

Gurugram-based hospitality unicorn OYO has found itself in a fresh battle against its competitor, Treebo. The company’s executive allegedly submitted “invalid” no-objection certificates from about 70 hotels to the OTA Booking.com .This was reportedly done to change the ownership listing of the properties to OYO from rival Treebo.

To begin with, when hospitality chains like OYO and Treebo list a hotel, they receive permissions from these hotels to promote the hotels on their websites as well as other OTAs like MakeMyTrip, Yatra, Booking.com etc.

The OTA said that after making necessary checks it had identified that the NOCs provided by OYO for these properties were “invalid”.

Booking.com reportedly said that it required accommodation partners to abide by all applicable laws and compliances. “There is a standard process that we follow at Booking.com for listing properties and the same process is being followed right now as well,” the company said.

OYO did not respond to Inc42’s queries on the matter till the time of publication.

The development comes at a time when the travel and hospitality industry has been severely hit by the Covid-19 pandemic and quarantines. OYO had recently told its employees that since the outbreak, OYO’s occupancy rate and revenues have dropped by more than 50 to 60% and the company’s balance sheet has come under severe stress.

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