As Delhi prepares for G20 Summit, travel bookings surge for long-weekend, ET TravelWorld

As the capital city of New Delhi prepares for a scheduled closure from September 8 to 10 amidst the G20 Summit, travel companies have noted a remarkable surge in travel bookings. Individuals and families are taking advantage of the opportunity to unwind and blend work and leisure during this short break.

Sankash, a leading travel fintech platform, has revealed a captivating trend that has caught the attention of urban dwellers across the country.

As the anticipation of forthcoming extended weekends grows, a magnetic pull toward domestic travel destinations becomes increasingly tangible. Among these enticing options, Puducherry emerges as a captivating choice, capturing the hearts of a significant 40 per cent of domestic travellers with its harmonious blend of heritage and tranquillity. Alongside, the coastal charm and serene ambience of Daman and Diu secure a notable 30 per cent of domestic bookings. Drawing in adventure enthusiasts and wanderers, Goa beckons to 11 per cent of travellers, promising diverse experiences that cater to various tastes.

Sharing booking insights on G20 Summit, leading online travel company MakeMyTrip witnessed increase in searches for accommodation bookings in destinations.

Rajesh Magow, Co-Founder & Group CEO, MakeMyTrip, said, “The government’s official holiday announcement over the G20 meet days has triggered an increase in searches for cities within drivable distance from the city of Delhi. We have observed an increase in searches for accommodation bookings in destinations such as Sawai Madhopur, Manesar, Amritsar, Vrindavan, Agra, Udaipur, and Jaipur etc. We have also seen some traction for Rishikesh and Corbett National Park but largely speaking, the plains dominate the search for bookings over hills.”

With remote work becoming increasingly prevalent, people are seeking novel ways to manage their professional responsibilities while enjoying a change of scenery. Sankash’s data indicates that a growing number of individuals are taking advantage of this unique situation by relocating temporarily to alternative destinations for a refreshing three-day retreat.

“We’re witnessing an exciting trend where people are leveraging the Delhi shutdown as an opportunity to escape the routine and explore new environments without sacrificing their work commitments,” said Akash Dahiya, Co-Founder and CEO, SanKash. “This marks a notable shift in the way people perceive travel – it’s no longer just about vacations, but also about achieving work-life balance in inspiring settings.” The traveller demographics weave an engrossing narrative of diverse voyagers. The tapestry includes Couple Travelers, accounting for a remarkable 42 per cent of bookings. Within this category, individuals aged 22 to 45 embrace the opportunity to embark on shared adventures, discovering new horizons hand-in-hand with their partners.

Solo Adventurers form a substantial 30 per cent of bookings, represented by solo travellers aged 18 to 45, who etch their trails of exploration, epitomising the burgeoning trend of independent, youthful discovery. Further enriching the mosaic are groups comprising Family and Friends, contributing to 28 per cent of bookings. This segment underscores the profound significance of communal voyages for Indian travellers.

Together, these demographics coalesce to shape the vibrant collage of travel preferences across the country, highlighting the myriad ways individuals seek to experience and engage with India’s diverse landscapes.