A survey finds out that an overwhelming 94 per cent of the respondents are looking at sustainable travel this year as health and safety emerge as their priority
A survey, recently released, finds out new travel trends for 2021, which shows that Indian travellers are looking to reconnect with their loved ones, and enjoy safe and unique experiences off-the-beaten track. Health and safety will continue to be the priority, and this is increasingly reflecting in their travel choices as well. Here are the top travel trends in India for 2021 by Airbnb & YouGov:
Travel will come back to connect people.
From March 2020, Indians experienced a long period of disconnect given the impact of the lockdown. As travel returns this year, it is firmly in the direction of connecting with loved ones through personal trips with family and friends. The research suggested that trip with family is the type of travel communities want the most.
Around 57 per cent of the respondents across age groups said that they would choose to connect with their immediate family members as soon as proper travelling will be back. Approximately 50 per cent of the millennials said that they would travel with, or to see, friends and family.
Hosted travel will be the key trend to look out for.
Around 85 per cent would like to stay in unique accommodations when they travel next (formats such as heritage homes, havelis, farm stays and villas), exploring new destinations and places recommended by local hosts, family or friends.
The Gen X (89 per cent) and the millennials (86 per cent), who comprise a large pool of current and future travellers are leading this trend. Around 39 per cent of the millennials stated a firm intent to travel in 2021.
Local recommendations and social media will inspire travel.
The trend of hosted travel and local recommendations will also be fueled by millennials. Almost 63 per cent of that demographic are open to sharing their unique stays and experiences on social media to inspire travel among their peers.
Approximately 66 per cent of the respondents across age groups said that they love taking pictures to share on social media groups.
A home in the hills or a cottage overlooking the beach? Travellers are seeking solace in nature.
The travellers are looking for exclusive and secluded holidays in the lap of nature. While the vaccine continues to be an encouraging factor propelling growth for industries including travel and tourism, 50 per cent of would-be travellers find travelling around nature more meaningful. This perpetuates a trend towards slower, sustainable and more regenerative travel.
Around 24 per cent of travellers would also look to go to a place in the hills. Destinations like Manali, Mussoorie, Nainital, Ooty, Munnar, Coorg, and Kashmir are highly sought-after by travellers.
Around 53 per cent of Gen Z and Gen X respondents want to travel to any place close to nature, followed by millennials at 44 per cent.
Health and safety emerge as top priority.
Around 59 per cent of the respondents overall considered this a key priority with the number understandably increasing for respondents that are 40 and above.
Reinstating trust will help travel play a larger role in the recovery of communities across India. Stringent compliance with local regulations and enhanced measures such as the Enhanced Cleaning Protocol for local hosts will all drive up confidence to travel.
Travel becoming increasingly sustainable.
Finally, people are growing conscious of enabling sustainable travel through socio-cultural experiences that are authentic and embedded in communities, and through making environment-friendly choices when they travel.
An overwhelming 94 per cent of the respondents are looking at sustainable travel this year. This comes out strongly amid the backdrop of the pandemic with Indians becoming aware of their impact on the environment and wanting to give back to local communities.
Sustainable travel choices that are closer to remote communities and nature not only provide a boost to these communities and their members, but are accessible, affordable and are a transformative choice contributing to unique and individual travel experiences.