Archive · 30 Jan 2026
Scoot Survey Reveals Shifting Travel Habits of South Indian Leisure Travellers
A big airline company called Scoot did a survey with 1,600 people from five big cities in South India.
They found out that more and more people there want to visit places that aren't very popular with tourists.
More than half of the people surveyed said they prefer going to these less crowded places, and almost 90% plan to visit one in the next year.
They also like to travel alone, with three out of four people planning a solo trip in 2026.
When planning their trips, they use social media and online reviews a lot, and some even use AI tools like ChatGPT.
They also like to spend their money wisely, with most trips costing between Rs.
1 to 3 Lakhs.
Scoot is offering cheap flights to places like Singapore to help these travellers explore new places.
Scoot's survey of 1,600 South Indian travellers reveals a preference for lesser-travelled international destinations over traditional tourist hotspots.
56% of respondents prefer exploring lesser-travelled destinations, and 89% plan to visit one in the next 12 months.
74% of respondents plan to take a solo international trip in 2026, with an even split between lesser-travelled and familiar destinations.
South Indian travellers primarily use social media (53%) and online review platforms (45%) for travel inspiration, with 28% using AI platforms like ChatGPT for itinerary planning.
The average international trip duration is 7.6 days, with an average budget of Rs. 2.34 Lakhs, and most respondents (60%) spending within the Rs. 1–3 Lakhs range.
- Who
- Leisure travellers from South India, specifically from Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, and Visakhapatnam
- What
- A survey revealing shifting travel habits, with a preference for lesser-travelled destinations and an increase in solo travel
- When
- The survey was conducted in 2025, with findings announced in 2025. The intention to travel to lesser-travelled destinations is planned for the next 12 months, and solo travel is planned for 2026.
- Where
- The survey was conducted in five major South Indian cities: Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, and Visakhapatnam.
- Why
- The survey aims to understand the changing travel preferences and habits of South Indian leisure travellers, highlighting a shift towards unique and personal travel experiences, solo travel, and the use of technology in travel planning.
- Survey Conducted By
- Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA)
- Survey Commissioned By
- YouGov
- Number of Respondents
- 1,600
- Cities Surveyed
- Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, and Visakhapatnam
- Percentage Preferring Lesser-Travelled Destinations
- 56%
- Percentage Planning to Visit Lesser-Travelled Destinations in Next 12 Months
- 89%
- Top Factors for Choosing Lesser-Travelled Destinations
- Budget-friendliness (46%), Less-crowded spaces (43%), Easy visa processes (38%), Affordable flight tickets (38%), Flight availability (37%)
- Percentage Planning Solo International Trips in 2026
- 74%
- Average International Trip Duration
- 7.6 days
- Average International Trip Budget
- Rs. 2.34 Lakhs
- Percentage Spending Within Rs. 1–3 Lakhs Range
- 60%
- One-Way Base Fares to Singapore from Chennai
- Rs. 5,800
- One-Way Base Fares to Singapore from Amritsar
- Rs. 7,800
- Primary Sources of Travel Inspiration
- Social media (53%), Online review platforms (45%)
- Percentage Using AI Platforms for Itinerary Planning
- 28%