Nationwide survey reveals 69% people keen to travel in 2021

A majority of people have shown keen interest to travel this year after easing of lockdown restrictions, with 69% respondents keen to resume travel in 2021 and 31% in 2022, according to a joint survey by travel service providers Thomas Cook India and SOTC.

18% of the respondents were ready to travel immediately after unlock and 51% within 3-6 months, according to the survey report, titled 'Third Holiday Readiness Report'.

Where to?

When it comes to destinations, there is demand for domestic and international, although domestic was higher at 54% and international at 46%.

In India, Kashmir, Leh-Ladakh, Himachal, Andamans, Goa and Kerala are among the most popular destinations, while Dubai-Abu Dhabi, Maldives, Mauritius, Thailand and Europe are the favourite global destinations, Thomas Cook India said in a regulatory filing.

Travel in COVID times

Customers, however, continued to be concerned about physical and personal safety with 70% of the respondents ranking health and safety as a key consideration, it added.

'Re-sanitation of rooms was selected by 52% respondents as a key requirement, while fully vaccinated hotel staff, drivers was a need highlighted by 48% and 34% respondents, respectively,' according to the report.

It also found that 66% of respondents were willing to increase spends to ensure higher levels of health and safety on their holiday, and 62% respondents preferred to travel with family/friends; 20% as couples/solo and 18% in a vaccinated group.

As far as duration of stay is concerned, the study found that 35% respondents chose holidays between 3-5 days; 52% for 6-12 days; 13% for a holiday of over 12 days but the customers also wanted financial safety with 81% respondents reiterated their need for refundable/zero cancellation products.

Inputs from PTI