Indian travellers rarely book in advance

Booking flight tickets and hotels months in advance while planning a vacation is not something that Indian travellers do, as they are turning into impulse holidaymakers, a study carried out by travel marketplace ixigo reveals.

According to the survey, more than 30% of those planning to travel within the country, booked their flights the same month in which they intended to travel. For those planning to fly overseas, this figure was even higher — 50% of the total number of people surveyed.

The firm analysed data from over 2 lakh users on its platform. The sample studied involved equal representation of men and women, between the ages 18 and 65 years, from across the country. The survey stated that when it comes to hotel bookings, over 48% of domestic and 43% of international travellers make reservations within 30 days of the intended travel.

In contrast, only 16% domestic and less than 25% international travellers booked hotels four or more months in advance, it highlighted.

An expert from the company attributes the trend to the use of technology, which has simplified an otherwise arduous procedure of booking flights and holidays. “This is due to the flexibility to book anytime, anywhere, that travellers enjoy due to advanced technology, uninterrupted connectivity and easy updates that keep them informed about fare prediction, offers and online reviews,” said the expert, adding higher purchasing power among travellers as well as enticing offers across the travel industry enable them to make smarter decisions.

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK A study says only 16% of domestic travellers book hotels four or more months ahead of their travel