NEWS / TRAVEL TRENDS
MODERN INDIAN TRAVELLERS
ASPIRE TO BE TRAVEL EXPERTS, INSPIRED BY TECH AND MOTIVATED BY EXPERIENCES GOING SOLO: MORE INDIAN TRAVELERS INTEND TO TRAVEL ALONE, INSPIRED BY MINDFULNESS, NATURE AND SUSTAINABILITY REVEALS THE LATEST STUDY OF HILTON HONOURS IN INDIA
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0% of travelers based in India intend to “go solo” when they travel, as compared to 25% of Asia Pacific travelers, reveals a recent study by Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program of global travel and hospitality company Hilton. “travelers, reveals a recent study by Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program of global travel and hospitality company Hilton. The research – surveying close to 1,120 avid travelers aged between 20-45 in India and segmented by life stage – explored the travel motivations, aspirations and expectations of the country’s most active travelers. The primary motivation for 66% of these intrepid travelers is to experience “life-changing moments” that push them out of their comfort zone and challenge them to think differently. “Travel is undoubtedly an important part of life for Indians, across
Australia is the most popular overseas destination in the Asia Pacific region for Indian travelers across all segments all life stage segments,” said Manish Tolani, vice president and commercial director, India, Hilton. “They take more trips overseas than their Asia Pacific counterparts and for them, travel plays a formative part in shaping their personality and identity. Solo Travelers, in particular, also recognize that their travel objectives have changed. By traveling to a new destination on their own, the sense of complete free-
The research – surveying close to 1,120 avid travelers aged between 20-45 in India and segmented by life stage – explored the travel motivations, aspirations and expectations of the country’s most active travelers 18
March 2020 Tourism India
dom encourages them to discover themselves.” The November 2019 study, which surveyed avid travelers living in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, New Delhi and Pune, revealed some key insights pertaining to Solo Travelers:
Indian Solo Travelers are mindful adventurers
The study revealed they pursue more authentic travel experiences that allow them to travel consciously. Experiences in nature top the list of things Indian Solo Travelers are seeking more of (68%), followed by sustainability (67%). Solo Travelers are also more likely than other Indian travelers to seek ways to nurture their spirituality (66%) and embark on volunteering opportunities (62%). According to the study, the Singles segment of Indian travelers appear to be prioritizing wellness and self-care – as compared to Couples, they are more likely to seek out experiences not only in nature, but also try their hand at sports, outdoor adventures and wellness activities. For example, 70% of Singles surveyed seek out wellness experiences at their travel destinations, as compared to 63%
