Indian travel inspirations revealed by Booking.com

A study by Booking.com highlights the evolving motivations and inspirations driving Indian travellers in 2024. It shows that travel has become how Indians express themselves, with a growing interest in immersive experiences tied to cultural, culinary, and local nuances.

The influence of movies, television, and social media is significant, with 44 per cent of Indian travellers drawing inspiration from these sources. Notable findings include that 61 per cent are motivated to try food seen in media and 59 per cent consider films and shows when selecting travel destinations. Additionally, 58 per cent are attracted to iconic sites featured onscreen, with 57 per cent wanting to immerse themselves in portrayed cultures.

Social media is also a crucial tool for trip inspiration, as 66 per cent of Indians use it to find travel ideas. Strong influences come from friends and family, advertisements, and popular personalities, shaping their travel choices.

"The Indian travellers mindset towards travel has changed, going beyond the destination. They seek experiences that are inspired by what they see, follow and admire. At Booking.com, we bridge the gap between inspiration and reality by empowering travellers to seamlessly plan their dream vacation by allowing them to book various trip elements - flights, accommodations, attractions, and more - all on one platform. But our commitment goes beyond booking. We also strive to be their travel partner throughout the journey, solving any challenges that may arise before, during or after the trip. Our ultimate goal? To ensure every trip is a perfect trip.” said Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia at Booking.com.

Despite the excitement around travel, 42 per cent of Indians find the planning process stressful. There is a clear preference for a streamlined experience, with many wanting to book flights, accommodations, and activities together. Key preferences include that 62 per cent prefer booking flights and stays simultaneously, while 50 per cent want to make restaurant reservations in advance. Furthermore, 52 per cent are interested in package deals that combine various travel elements.