The long weekend is here!!

As August approaches its mid-point, the hospitality industry is gearing up for a significant surge in bookings, as the month brings two back-to-back long weekends. The upcoming Independence Day on August 15, followed by Raksha Bandhan on August 19, and Janmashtami soon after, present prime opportunities for Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) platforms and hotels to attract travellers looking to make the most of these extended breaks. Long weekends have become a major driver of hotel bookings, with travellers increasingly seeking short getaways to unwind and explore new destinations. As people seek to maximise their time off, the hospitality industry sees a notable spike in demand, particularly during such extended weekends. 

OTAs play a central role in facilitating these bookings. For example, Ease My Trip has reported a surge of 250 per cent in travel searches for this period in 2024 as compared to last year. Goa, Lonavala, Udaipur and Coorg are highly preferred when it comes to domestic destinations while Bali, Singapore, Thailand, Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya are the go-to travel foreign destinations. And Skyscanner reported that, booking volumes for August 14th and 15th are the highest for the week, indicating a strong desire to make the most of the holiday.
Airbnb's latest search data reveals 340 per cent Y-o-Y increase in domestic searches for Airbnb stays. Indian travellers are eagerly planning both domestic and international trips during the extended break.

Traveller’s preferences and influences

First and foremost, the travellers’ choice of destination during these long weekends is influenced by several factors. Most prefer comfortable and unique experiences, thus a growing preference for resorts and boutique hotels. “Destinations that offer ‘inspiring experiences’ such as mountains, beaches, or natural landscapes and ‘affordability’ and ‘availability’ of accommodations are crucial for a good long weekend escape plan,” says Akhil Malik, Head of Hotels, Cleartrip.  

On the other hand, Rikant Pittie, Co-Founder, EaseMyTrip, food, culture and weather are the factors to keep in mind. “Whether it is the pristine beaches, snow-capped mountains or lush forests, shopping, historical tours, and experimenting with local cuisines and delicacies are topmost favourite cultural activities for travellers,” he shares.

Under the same category, while responding about the average age group opting for long weekend travel seems to range between 25 and 45, reflecting a broad spectrum of interests and preferences. During these extended breaks, travellers seek a variety of destinations, both domestic and international. Popular choices include leisure hotspots like Goa, Udaipur, and Jaipur, as well as global destinations such as Dubai, Bali, and Bangkok. This diverse array of locations caters to different tastes, whether it's the serene beaches of Goa, the vibrant nightlife of Bangkok, or the beautiful landscapes of Kashmir and the Alps.

As per Skyscanner report about long weekend travels, among the top international destinations that are catching the eye of Indian travellers a are Toronto, Bali, New York, and London. And domestically, New Delhi, Marmagao, and Mumbai are the most sought-after spots.

Accommodation preferences during long weekends also vary. While traditional hotels are still in demand, there is a notable shift towards experiential stays. Experts from the industry opine that the travellers increasingly favour resort properties, luxurious hotels and majestic palaces which offer a blend of comfort and unique experiences. Additionally, homestays and budget hotels cater to different requirements and preferences, reflecting the varied nature of long weekend travel.

Shift in booking patterns

In recent years, the booking patterns for long weekends has evolved. While early planning and bookings are still common, there has been a noticeable increase in travellers who often make spontaneous decisions to travel. “Long weekends have witnessed a shift in booking patterns, with an increasing number of travellers opting for last-minute getaways now,” says Malik, adding that promotional deals play a significant role in driving these last-minute bookings, particularly for budget-friendly properties, the demand for unique, leisure-focussed destinations continues to rise during long weekends. 

Pittie states that instead of one big vacation, tourists prefer undertaking micro vacations, short trips and weekend getaway now. “When demand and searches are high, offering tailored packages and exclusive offers help significantly,” he says. The rise of workation-friendly accommodations has also contributed to this shift as more and more travellers seek to combine work and leisure during these extended breaks.

Talking about the ‘Workations’ friendly bookings, Pittie comments, “Ever since hybrid working models have gained popularity, tourists actively choose workations, especially during long weekends. This, of course, calls for destinations that offer workation vibes and properties. In India, promising workation hotspots are Goa, Shimla, Lonavala and Udaipur.” 

Catering to increased demand

Long weekends are generally the busiest times for hotels and booking platforms. “To help us during this period, we use advanced data analytics and dynamic pricing strategies. By predicting booking trends, we ensure optimal inventory management, securing availability and competitive pricing. Our pricing algorithm continuously adjusts rates based on real-time demand, supply and competitor activity, guaranteeing the best deals for our customers,” shares Malik. Adding on to the strategy is Pittie. “With a combination of strategies like competitive pricing, inventory management, demand forecasting, technology, our team’s expertise, and special offers, we are able to offer seamless booking experiences for our customers,” he says.

Around 30 per cent bookings are made at the last minute. To tackle this chaos, Pitie adds, “We identify customers’ booking patterns and demands. This helps us provide them with specially curated packages and a tailored suite of services, and accommodate last-minute requests.” Adding on to some ways to cater to this rush, Malik adds, “Strong partnerships with accommodation providers allow us to offer exclusive inventory and preferential rates, ensuring availability even during peak periods. This approach helps us meet the needs of last-minute travellers while maintaining competitive pricing.”

Emerging trends in long weekend travel and bookings

Pittie shares tourists are keen to explore different destinations each long weekend. “We see a growing preference toward scenic beauty and easy visa norms influencing travel-related decisions,” he says. Talking about the growing trends in travel and bookings on OTAs, Malik adds, "Budget-conscious travel and leisure travel continues to dominate. Brand loyalty is another emerging trend, with travellers showing a preference for established hotel chains.”

As travellers increasingly seek to make the most of these extended breaks, hotels and OTA platforms are strategically positioning themselves to meet the growing demand. By offering a diverse range of accommodation, personalised experiences cand competitive pricing, the industry is well-equipped to cater to the evolving preferences of modern travellers. As long weekend travel continues to gain popularity, the indicated trend is a move towards shorter, value-focussed trips with an emphasis on comfort and familiarity.

Kumud K

BW Reporters