Travel Insights for the Upcoming Long Weekend (Oct 2nd–5th) – Quotes from Thomas Cook India & SOTC Travel

Rajeev Kale - President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa - Thomas Cook (India) Limited: 
"The upcoming long weekend: Gandhi Jayanti/Dussehra falling on Thursday and taking leave on Friday, offers travel-hungry Indians a welcome break via a 4-day minication. We are witnessing an increased travel intent for both domestic and closer-to-home locales. Destinations like Rajasthan, Andamans, Kerala; also Bhutan and Sri Lanka in the Indian subcontinent; Maldives, Mauritius, Dubai-Abu Dhabi, Oman; new emerging island destinations such as Sabah (Malaysia), Cebu and Boracay (Philippines), Sa Pa and Phú Quốc (Vietnam) are gaining strong interest.

Multigenerational families, Young India’s millennials and GenZ and young professionals are also looking at drivecations to nearby offbeat destinations such as Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala, Coorg, Ooty, Munnar, Wayanad and more.
Given the long weekend opportunity, hotel occupancies are at 90-100% for most premium/boutique properties across key destinations in India; airfares have witnessed a 30-50% increase to popular sectors due to high demand. What is noteworthy is that Indians being value-seekers are smart planners —  most having booked their holidays well in advance, recognising surge festive fares and the risk of last-minute disappointment. Our special festive offers have catalysed demand for this long weekend. Interestingly, our customers are displaying increasing preference for eclectic stays and unique accommodations like heritage bungalows, havelis/ palaces, forts, tree houses or tea estates/coffee plantations. Additionally, travellers are opting for outdoor and adventure experiences, including safaris, biking, camping, trekking, water rafting and paragliding; also spa-wellness getaways."

SD Nandakumar, President & Country Head - Holidays & Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel: 
"The long weekend opportunity, with the combined holidays of Gandhi Jayanti and Dussehra, is driving strong travel demand. We are seeing interest not only from India’s metros but also from regional India’s tier 2 and 3 markets. A growing trend among young migrant professionals is extending their weekend, travelling back home to spend quality time with family and celebrate the festive season together. Interestingly, Kolkata has emerged as a key source market during the Durga Pujo season, with customers opting for both domestic and short-haul international destinations like Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia to celebrate the festival while travelling with family and friends.  Additionally, we are seeing interest from emerging destinations like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia and Jordan."