It is now established that those coming out of the pandemic are traveling with a vengeance. But like every sector, tourism trends have changed drastically in the post-COVID times. From preferred destinations and activities to accommodation, the options are varied. Since they were banned from traveling for almost two years, vacationers now want to make the best use of even the small windows they get and take a break from it. Such mini/micro holidays, known as commutes, are being taken frequently by travelers along with the stay.
According to tour conductors, Bangalore travel enthusiasts are especially willing to spend extra bucks on their trips to incorporate elements of luxury into their vacations. Santosh Kanna, Vice President, Leisure Travel, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., said, “With the travel budget unaffordable, our Bengaluru customers are exhibiting a strong appetite for luxury travel – a once in a lifetime experience for this. Once.”
He said that despite a 10-20% increase in the total cost of international travel due to supply constraints, customers in the city are ready to increase their travel budgets by 20% as they waited two years for international holidays. However, visa challenges have led these customers to opt for easier visa destinations closer to home, such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Cambodia.
Explore the Unemployment
Apart from traveling to regular favorite domestic destinations like Goa, Rajasthan and Kashmir, tourists now look for non-commercial, less crowded places around the state. Villages offering homestays along the Western Ghats, including Karighatta Hill near Srirangapatna, on the banks of the Sharavathi river in Shivamogga, have increased demand for Honnemaradu. Most of the time, these places are accommodated in an itinerary that is built around other popular places.
“These offbeat destinations have become the choice of travelers in Karnataka as their natural beauty attracts travelers. Since they are less commercial, most people go to nearby destinations as a weekend holiday by combining it with a holiday during festivals to get more days to travel”, said Rikant Pitti, co-founder of Is My Trip .
Twin Rocks at Ramanagaram. , photo credit: K. Murli Kumar
Adrenaline and Spirituality
The pandemic has sent commuters looking for some sort of adrenaline rush, which has spurred the number of bike tours in the state. While Nandi Hills, Kodagu and Sakleshpura are the preferred destinations for these tours within the state, Ladakh is otherwise the prime choice. With concerns about cleanliness and safety, tourists prefer to drive themselves to the destination rather than take a bus or train. Many people also go on adventure sports like trekking, camping, paragliding, scuba diving, rafting during long holidays.
Seen as a result of the lockdown, there has been an increase in the number of tourists who prefer rejuvenation or wellness tourism in the post-Covid days.
The South Canara temple circuit, which includes Dharmasthala, Sringeri, Kukke Subramanya and others and Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, is also popular among spiritual tourists.
“Tourists now want more experience in travel. Especially during monsoon, Karnataka is very beautiful. Hence, they focus more on travel, enjoying the local delicacies and getting experience during their trips. Also noticed that activities like bike tours and hiking have increased now,” said a tourism department official.
“With Dussehra festival coming soon, most of the days before and after the festival, ours as well as other private properties in the state are full, indicating high demand,” the official said.
Another interesting trend is how tourists are now leaving their usual accommodation options like five star hotels and resorts, heritage bungalows, havelis/palaces, forts, deserts or exotic places in the middle of bamboo groves, tree houses or tea gardens. Huh. Travel planners informed.