The upcoming confluence of Holi on March 25 and Good Friday on March 29 has ignited a travel rush in India, as the extended five-day weekend prompts a surge in demand for flights, hotels, and even cruises. With Indians eager to celebrate the vibrant festival of colors and take advantage of the extended break, travel companies are witnessing a significant uptick in bookings compared to the previous year.
Travel Boom:
Nishant Pitti, CEO and Co-founder of EaseMyTrip, reports a 16 per cent increase in domestic flight bookings and an impressive 50 per cent rise in international bookings compared to the same period last year. Prahlad Krishnamurthi, Chief Business Officer at Cleartrip, echoes these trends, noting a 16 per cent surge in domestic flight bookings and a 50 per cent spike in international bookings year-on-year.
Popular Destinations:
Travelers are exploring diverse experiences, with destinations like Goa, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Jaipur, Mathura, Vrindavan, Varanasi, and Amritsar witnessing heightened demand. Agoda highlights similar trends, with Goa, Mumbai, and Delhi topping the list, followed by Jaipur, Udaipur, Mathura, Vrindavan, and Varanasi.
International Travel:
Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok, Phuket, and Bali emerge as top choices for international travel, according to EaseMyTrip and Agoda. Recent visa relaxations, especially for Thailand, contribute to the growing interest in overseas destinations.
Rising Costs:
With demand surpassing supply, travel companies anticipate an increase in prices. EaseMyTrip spokesperson projects domestic airfares around Rs. 5400 and international fares averaging Rs. 13000, with slight increases closer to travel dates. Similar average fare estimates are echoed by Cleartrip.
Hotel Tariffs and Cruises:
Hotel tariffs are also expected to rise, though specifics weren’t provided. Agoda commits to offering value deals on accommodations, flights, and activities. Luxury cruise lines, such as Cordelia Cruises, report sold-out sailings for the Holi and Maha Shivratri long weekends, capitalizing on the festive fervor.
Preparation for Rush:
Travel companies are gearing up for the rush by offering discounted packages, but early booking is recommended to secure the best deals for summer travel and beyond.
