Thomas Cook India & SOTC Travel release India Holiday Report - May 2023

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Reiterates highly positive consumer sentiment and strong resurgence of holidays  

  • Increased travel intent in the next 6 months (84% respondents) Vs. 45% pre-pandemic: shorter multiple mini-cations; higher spends

  • Experiences driving demand for over 78%: bucket list elements 65%; gastronomy 45%; outdoor-adventure-fun 50%; culture-history 30%

  • Powerful growth segments: Regional India-Bharat; Young India (Gen Z & Millennials) and Gen S!

  • Key considerations: Entry barriers - Visas (70%); Flexibility with zero change penalties (66%)

  • High demand for Phygital models

 

Mumbai, May 2023: Thomas Cook (India) Limited - India’s leading omnichannel travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel surveyed over 3500 consumers, covering a comprehensive market (including India’s metros, mini metros like Pune, Chandigarh, Coimbatore and key Tier 2-3 markets of Jaipur, Indore, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, Nagpur, Surat, Baroda, Bhubaneswar, Lucknow, Mysore, Visakhapatnam, Guwahati, Patna, etc.) to release the India Holiday Report - May 2023. The survey was conducted over a period of one month and administered via the Companies’ online channels. The India Holiday Report - May 2023 reflects highly positive travel sentiment with insightful consumer behaviour and travel trends.

 

Key findings include:

·     Increased holiday intent: Travel is clearly back on the Indian consumer radar with over 84% respondents indicating increased intent to travel in the next 6 months Vs. 45% pre-pandemic

o  Multiple shorter trips/mini-cations: in addition to at least one/two long annual trips of approx. 10-12 days, 82% respondents indicated preference for multiple (3-4) shorter trips/minications (domestic and international short haul)

o  Higher spends: despite supply constraints leading to higher pricing, over 80% respondents displayed appetite for higher spends of approx. 20% Vs. pre pandemic

 

·     High growth segments: While multigenerational families (75%), Couples/DINKS (62%) continue to display a strong travel desire, high growth segments that are emerging include:

o   Rise of Young India: As the youngest demography in the world, approx. 65% of India’s population is below the age of 35. Young India (millennials and Gen Z) form the new powerhouse for the sector with highest intent to travel (95%). Concept of YOLO (you only live once) is driving travel demand

o   Gen S: India’s Silvers/Seniors have significant disposable income post retirement, topped up with funds from their children, and are displaying high travel appetite (58%), especially for premium holidays like cherry blossom tours in Japan and cruises

o   Regional India-Bharat: Rising disposable incomes + aspirational value of holidays is resulting in strong desire (60%)

 

·     Experiences driving demand: pandemic induced restrictions has increased appreciation for life. 78% respondents opted for experience led travel to create memories of a lifetime with deeper exploration and distinctive local elements Vs. regular sightseeing: bucket list destinations/elements (65%); gastronomy (45%); outdoor-adventure-fun (50%); culture and history (30%)

 

·     Surge across both - domestic and international travel: While only domestic holidays were preferred by 40% respondents and only international by 66%; a significant 90% opted for both

o   Domestic destinations favoured were Kashmir (60%); Himachal and Uttarakhand (50%), Ladakh (35%), North East (40%) Kerala (25%), Andamans (30%), Goa (30%); Bhutan in the Indian subcontinent (30%)

o   International tourism is witnessing a strong resurgence. Despite visa challenges, Europe is a clear favourite preferred by over 46% of respondents led by Switzerland, France, Spain and Italy. Short hauls (50%) are witnessing rapid growth with increased interest for Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman; island destinations like Maldives, Mauritius (28%). Strongly emerging on the radar are destinations like Japan and S. Korea (25%); also Vietnam-Cambodia due to new flights and increased connectivity (30%). Long hauls like Australia with end-to-end digital visa processes are seeing uptick of 20%. USA continues to face visa challenges and was selected by 8%

 

·     Key considerations for travel:

o   Visa challenges: formed a barrier for 70% respondents

o   Flexibility: 66% respondents are keen on zero penalties for date changes/rebooking, etc.

o   Access to multiple/convenient payment options is of value to 35% respondents (Travel loans, EMI, BNPL…) 

o   Health & Safety continues to be a consideration for travellers, however reduced to 30% respondents

 

·     Mode of travel: 85% respondents displayed clear return of confidence in air travel with increased demand for air-inclusive packages, 15% for drivecations; cruise holidays/sea-cations seeing a surge of 70%

 

·     Customers opting for Hybrid/Omni-Channel routes to choose their Holiday: while digital models continue to see uptick of 66%; 58% respondents require the guidance of a holiday expert and prefer to purchase their holiday through retail outlets; 95% prefer phygital channels (combination of physical+digital models), based on their convenience

 

·     Sustainability: 30-35% respondents are becoming more mindful about the environment/local communities

 

Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., said, "Holidays are witnessing rapid rebound, with travel clearly emerging as a non-negotiable/ must-do for Indians! Our India Holiday Report – May 2023 reveals that not only are multiple mini-cations back for 82% respondents (in addition to 1-2 long holidays), but also that they are willing to pay 20% more. Also noteworthy is the rise of Young India’s Gen Z and millennials; equally Middle India/Bharat as significant power-centres in the evolution of the sector. The pandemic having created a deeper appreciation for life, the YOLO (you only live once) mindset is driving travel desire: Indians are now seeking immersive travel experiences and wanting to live like a local! This highly positive consumer sentiment will serve a key catalyst to our Teams in creating customized holidays and exceptional experiences – that build memories of a lifetime!”

Mr. Daniel D’souza, President & Country Head, Leisure, SOTC Travel said, “Our India Holiday Report – May 2023 showcases India's strong and growing holiday appetite with 84% respondents reflecting increased intent. With experiential travel being a key driver for over 78% respondents, the deep desire to explore fresh and unique bucket-list opportunities resonated with 65%. The impressive travel appetite emerging from regional India-Bharat has accelerated our focus on this high potential segment via our expanded regional product and vernacular content/marketing. With the increasing demand for consumer convenience and the comfort of human-touch/expertise, omnichannel/phygital channels are clearly seeing high demand (95%). As Indian travellers becoming more discerning in their choices, as a leading travel company, we are committed to meeting their evolving needs.”