Travellers look for beach, mountain gateways, European tourist spots for Holi, Easter long weekend: Airbnb

HYDERABAD: As we approach the festive Holi and Easter long weekend, the latest search data1 from Airbnb unveils a dynamic shift in travel preferences among Indian travellers. Whether it's the tranquil beaches of South Goa or the historic charm of European cities like Athens and Istanbul, Indian travellers are broadening their horizons, driven by the desire for diverse and enriching travel experiences.

Domestically, South Goa has emerged as the top Indian destination with a nearly 330 percent increase in searches for stays for the upcoming long weekend, highlighting its appeal as the preferred beach destination. Additionally, the cultural allure of Varanasi, Jaipur, and Pondicherry as well as popular hill stations like Mussoorie, Ooty and Manali are also driving diversified interest for short getaways during the upcoming long weekend2.

On the international front, Athens leads the way with an approximately 400 percent spike in searches, earning its place at the top of the wishlist for Indian explorers, closely followed by Istanbul, Bangkok, and Rome. These cities represent a blend of historical richness and cultural vibrancy that resonates deeply with Indian travellers.

The quest for beachfront stays, amazing views, and amazing pools dominates the search trends, pointing towards a collective yearning for scenic beauty and relaxation.

An approximate 70 percent increase in bookings for non-urban destinations four coupled with around a 20 percent rise in family-centric searches underlines a significant shift towards tranquillity and shared experiences.

"Indian travellers are increasingly seeking unique and memorable experiences, moving beyond traditional holiday seasons to embrace every opportunity for exploration," said Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager at Airbnb India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

"Airbnb is at the forefront of this shift, offering diverse and enriching travel experiences that cater to the evolving preferences of Indian travellers," he added.

Airbnb Data

• With a nearly 330% increase in searches, South Goa emerged as India's most popular getaway for India guests for the upcoming Holi and Easter long weekend
  
• Domestic destinations like Varanasi, Jaipur, Mussoorie and Manali have seen a surge in searches for stays for the long weekend as Indians focus on beach getaways, cultural exploration and mountain retreats.
• With an approximately 400 percent increase in searches, The Historic European Trio - Athens, tops the chart for International travel amongst Indian guests for the weekend, this is followed by Istanbul, Bangkok and Rome.
• Beachfront stays, followed by amazing view and amazing pools are the most searched for categories by Indian guests.
• With an almost 70 percent increase in non-urban bookings and a 20 percent rise in family-focused searches, travellers are embracing tranquillity and shared adventures like never before.