Business · Companies · 7 hrs ago
Festive travel bookings rise as Indian hotel rates set to climb
Indians are booking more festive-season trips despite higher airfares, with demand reported for travel in India and abroad.
An analysis of 3,114 properties across 13 Indian destinations forecasts mid-scale hotel rates rising nearly 27% between November 11 and 15 compared with the pre-Diwali period.
Premium hotel rates are also expected to increase, from an average of ₹25,917 before the festival to ₹31,163 over that post-Diwali weekend.
Goa is expected to see the steepest price rise, with premium rates forecast to climb nearly 42% in the second half of November compared with October 25-31.
Travel companies say demand is growing for beach, hill-station and wildlife breaks, as well as international trips to destinations including Thailand and Sri Lanka.
Hotel rates are expected to stay high through late November, while companies say hotels and buses have the strongest near-term momentum ahead of the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
Festive-season travel bookings are rising in India despite higher airfares.
An analysis of 3,114 properties across 13 destinations estimates mid-scale hotel rates will rise 26.94% after Diwali.
Premium hotel rates are also expected to increase, with the strongest price pressure forecast after Diwali.
Travel companies report growth in domestic and international bookings, including for beach, hill-station and wildlife destinations.
Goa is forecast to have the steepest premium hotel price rise, with rates climbing nearly 42% in the second half of November.
- Who
- Indian travellers and travel companies, hotels and accommodation providers.
- What
- Festive-season travel bookings are rising, and hotel rates are expected to climb after Diwali.
- When
- During the festive season; hotel rate increases are forecast for November 11-15 and the second half of November.
- Where
- India, including destinations such as Goa, Ooty and Mahabaleshwar. Some reported booking growth is for international destinations.
- Why
- Travel companies cite demand for festive breaks, long weekends and drive-to holidays. The sources also cite improved highway connectivity.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Ixigo began seeing an uptick in its train business, with bookings made about two months before Dussehra and Diwali.
Goa premium hotel rates averaged ₹24,218 in the pre-Diwali period.
Average mid-scale hotel rates are forecast to be 26.94% above the pre-Diwali period.
Goa premium hotel rates are forecast to reach ₹34,355.
Mid-scale accommodation rates are estimated to average ₹11,670, while premium properties are estimated to average approximately ₹32,126.
- Properties analysed
- 3,114 across 13 Indian destinations
- Mid-scale rate increase
- 26.94% forecast for November 11-15 compared with the pre-Diwali period
- Goa premium rates
- ₹24,218 in October 25-31; forecast at ₹34,355 in November 16-30
- Sterling Holiday Resorts
- Festive-season demand up 24% year on year
- Pickyourtrail
- International bookings up 80-90% year on year
What people are saying
We see this opportunity across regional circuits such as Ooty-Wayanad, Coorg-Sakleshpur and Kasauli-Chail-Kufri as well as wildlife destinations such as Pench, Tadoba, Jawai and Gir.
drive-to holidays are gaining popularity, and improved highway connectivity is reshaping leisure breaks in India.
Near-term momentum looks best for buses and hotels.