OYO’s annual report, Travelopedia 2024, highlights intriguing trends in India’s travel habits, showcasing a clear preference for spiritual tourism while also spotlighting the rise of less-traveled destinations.
Puri, Varanasi, and Haridwar are the top spiritual spots this year, attracting the most pilgrims. However, the report also notes a noticeable uptick in visitors to lesser-known sites like Deoghar, Palani, and Govardhan, which indicates a growing curiosity for unconventional spiritual locations.
Hyderabad Tops the List
When it comes to urban travel, Hyderabad leads as the most-booked city in India for 2024, followed by major hubs such as Bengaluru, Delhi, and Kolkata. Uttar Pradesh remains the top state for bookings, but other regions like Maharashtra, Telangana, and Karnataka are also seeing strong demand. Interestingly, smaller cities such as Patna, Rajahmundry, and Hubli have experienced significant growth, with bookings increasing nearly 48% year-on-year, reflecting a desire for less crowded, offbeat destinations.
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Leisure travel trends also saw a shift this year. Jaipur continued to be a favorite, with Goa, Pondicherry, and Mysore trailing behind. Surprisingly, Mumbai saw a decline in leisure travel as more tourists opted for nearby locations instead of the bustling metropolis.
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Top Executive Opines on the Findings of the Report
Shreerang Godbole, OYO’s Global Chief Service Officer, commented on these findings: “2024 has been a transformative year for travel. The demand for both spontaneous getaways and longer stays has surged, driven by changing work trends. As remote work reshapes travel habits, flexibility has become essential for both leisure and business travelers.”
