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For us Indians, summer is not just about sultry weather and parched lands. It's also about nostalgia with two-month-long vacations, travel with family, and exploring new places every year. Summer travel is a time-honoured tradition that beckons adventurers, families, and sun-seekers alike to embark on journeys of discovery and relaxation. Whether it's basking on sun-kissed beaches, trekking through mountains under clear skies, or immersing oneself in the rich tapestry of cultural experiences, summer offers a plethora of opportunities to create unforgettable memories. As travellers eagerly pack their bags and plan their escapades, the data around these plans also tells a story. And the popular travel portal Make My Trip has now revealed some interesting trends in its report “<keyword id="17059737" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Summer-Travel-Trends" source="Orion">Summer Travel Trends</keyword>”! The report gives a peek into the evolving preferences and behaviours of travellers across India. From the bustling streets of <keyword id="826" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Goa" source="Orion">Goa</keyword> to the serene landscapes of <keyword id="6354931" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ayodhya" source="Orion">Ayodhya</keyword>, summer 2024 travel trends encompass a dynamic mix of traditional favourites and emerging destinations. Spiritual tourism remains vibrant, with pilgrimage sites like Puri and Varanasi drawing considerable interest. Additionally, the influence of external factors such as elections on travel patterns reflects the interconnectedness of travel and societal events. As one delves into the data, intriguing insights are evident not just on destinations but also on shifting trends in accommodation preferences and the duration of travel. Here are a few key takeaways from the report: <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Goa remains top destination and Ayodhya is catching up" comment="subhead" text="Goa remains top destination and Ayodhya is catching up">Goa remains top destination and Ayodhya is catching up</cmsannotation> Goa retains its position as the top searched destination for travellers this year as well. However, Ayodhya has seen the sharpest growth in search volumes, attributed to the inauguration of the Ram Mandir. Following Ayodhya, interest in travel to Lakshadweep and Nandi Hills also shows noticeable increases. Read - <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/travel/india/article/best-beaches-to-visit-in-goa/articleshow/109728267.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Best beaches to visit in Goa in 2024</a> <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Spiritual tourism shows no decline" comment="subhead" text="Spiritual tourism shows no decline">Spiritual tourism shows no decline</cmsannotation> This summer, Puri and Varanasi emerge as the most searched pilgrimage destinations. Travellers are showing keen interest in exploring the spiritual and cultural richness offered by these revered sites during their summer journeys. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Travel behaviour during elections" comment="subhead" text="Travel behaviour during elections"><keyword id="21579458" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Travel-behaviour-during-elections" source="Orion">Travel behaviour during elections</keyword></cmsannotation> Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and CEO of Make My Trip says they have seen a surge in traffic and bookings on redBus during election dates. People prioritise visiting their hometowns to cast votes, reflecting a significant trend in travel behaviour during electoral periods. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Growth in family and solo travel" comment="subhead" text="Growth in family and solo travel">Growth in family and solo travel</cmsannotation> In 2024, the family travel segment experienced a remarkable 20% growth compared to summer 2023. Solo travel also sees a significant uptick, with a 10% increase over the previous year's numbers, following the trend set by family travel. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Mountains over beaches" comment="subhead" text="Mountains over beaches">Mountains over beaches</cmsannotation> Places with cool mountain terrains emerge as the top choices for domestic holiday destinations this summer. Travellers show a preference for destinations offering refreshing mountain landscapes, highlighting a trend towards seeking cooler climates for summer getaways. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="These international destinations saw the highest growth" comment="subhead" text="These international destinations saw the highest growth">These international destinations saw the highest growth</cmsannotation> Baku, Almaty, and Nagoya are witnessing the highest growth in searches among international destinations. Travellers are showing increasing interest in exploring these diverse and vibrant cities, reflecting a shift in preferences for their summer travel plans. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Average travelling days" comment="subhead" text="Average travelling days">Average travelling days</cmsannotation> On average, domestic travel durations range from 3 to 5 days, offering shorter yet fulfilling getaways. In contrast, international travel tends to span longer periods, averaging between 8 to 10 days, allowing travellers to immerse themselves more deeply in their chosen destinations. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Most booked domestic packages" comment="subhead" text="Most booked domestic packages">Most booked domestic packages</cmsannotation> The most booked domestic tour packages today include <keyword id="6358126" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Himachal-Pradesh" source="Orion">Himachal Pradesh</keyword>, Kashmir, Goa, Kerala, and the Northeast region. These destinations offer diverse experiences ranging from serene mountain escapes in Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir to tropical beach getaways in Goa and Kerala, along with the enchanting cultural and natural beauty of the North East, attracting travellers seeking a variety of experiences. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Mid-range is preferred but premium accommodations show the highest growth" comment="subhead" text="Mid-range is preferred but premium accommodations show the highest growth">Mid-range is preferred but premium accommodations show the highest growth</cmsannotation> The tariff range of INR 2.5K to 7K per night constitutes approximately 45% of all homestay bookings. However, homestays and villas with tariffs exceeding INR 20K per night are experiencing the highest growth. Similarly, in the hotel sector, the INR 2.5K to 7K range remains preferred, but notable growth is observed in the INR 10K to 15K category, indicating a trend towards premiumisation. The summer travel landscape of 2024 presents a tapestry of diverse destinations and evolving travel behaviours. While Constant favourites like Goa continue to reign supreme, the rise of destinations such as Ayodhya and the growing interest in spiritual tourism demonstrate a nuanced shift in traveller preferences. The surge in family and solo travel, coupled with the increasing popularity of mid-range to premium accommodations, underscores the evolving dynamics of the Indian travel market. As travellers seek refuge in the cool mountain terrains or go on soul-searching journeys to pilgrimage sites, one thing remains clear – travel is not just about reaching a destination but also about embracing the experiences that enrich our lives along the way. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/travel/international/webstories/ahmedabad-makes-it-to-the-top-8-global-destinations-for-slow-travel-see-the-list/slidelist/109916139.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Ahmedabad makes it to the top 8 global destinations for slow travel; See the list</a>

Goa remains top, spiritual tourism remains hot, premium accommodations grow fast — MMT’s summer travel trends for 2024

<ul><li>Apparel, F&amp;B and hospitality chains flock to spiritual centres like Dwarka, Bodh Gaya and more.</li><li>The government’s initiatives to improve air, road and rail connectivity in these areas, are aiding the surge in footfalls.</li><li>Jefferies says that the most popular pilgrimage towns attract anywhere between 10 to 30 million tourists every year. </li></ul>India’s retail boom has reached its most key religious centres too. There is a <keyword id="20392659" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="spykar" source="keywords">Spykar</keyword> store in Somnath, while Shirdi’s tourists can now shop for FabIndia kurtas. You can spot a Blackberrys outlet in Bodh Gaya, and a Zudio in <keyword id="19901642" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="varanasi" source="keywords">Varanasi</keyword>. Food and beverage chains like Domino's, KFC and Burger King are not behind, establishing their presence even in isolated religious sites like Puri, Katra, Ajmer and more. While a lot has been said about the growth of retail and hospitality in Ayodhya, there has been a slow yet steady growth in retail chains’ expansion across pilgrimages in the country. “This trend reflects a broader shift in tourist preferences, with travellers seeking transformative experiences beyond traditional rituals. The rise of urban spiritual tourism is catering to this desire, attracting visitors to cities known for their deep religious and spiritual significance,” says a report by real estate consultancy CBRE. The report identifies Amritsar, Ajmer, Varanasi, Katra, Somnath, Shirdi, Ayodhya, Puri, Tirupati, Mathura, Dwarka, Bodh Gaya, Guruvayur, and <keyword id="19900587" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="madurai" source="keywords">Madurai</keyword> as key cities witnessing this retail boom. Retail brands are adapting their offerings at mall clusters as well as high-street locations. “Local governments and businesses are joining forces to create unique retail experiences. This includes integrating local practices into the design and offerings of shops, restaurants, and hotels,” says CBRE. Cities like Amritsar, Varanasi, Madurai, Puri, Guruvayur, etc. are leveraging their unique culinary traditions and local fashion expertise to give tourists a taste of town beyond spirituality. Infrastructure growth aids surges in spiritual tourism As per a report by Jefferies, the most popular religious centres in India attract an annual tourist traffic of 10-30 million despite the existing infrastructural bottlenecks. And, most such cities are now undergoing an infrastructural upgrade — which will bolster their growth. The state and central governments are working on well-connected roads, airports, and public transportation. It’s also aiding the development of hotels, guesthouses, and wellness centres to ensure a comfortable stay for the tourists. “The rapid expansion of spiritual tourism in India is driving the growth of the country's faith-based tourism market. Government initiatives to promote tourism and improve connectivity between pilgrimage sites are further boosting this growth. The rise of online retail platforms offering easy access to faith-based products and services is also a key factor,” says <keyword id="20177586" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="anshuman-magazine" source="keywords">Anshuman Magazine</keyword>, chairman &amp; CEO - India, South-East Asia, Middle East &amp; Africa, CBRE. While Jefferies expects footfalls to average 50 million in Ayodhya, other pilgrimage centres too are growing fast. “India boasts of a wide diversity of tourism types including historic monuments, culture &amp; heritage, beaches, hill stations and more. Religious tourism is still the biggest segment of tourism in India,” it adds. Along with retail chains, high-end hospitality brands are making their inroads into these cities. Apart from Taj, ITC, Lemon Tree, Novotel, <keyword id="21111452" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="j-w-mariott" source="keywords">J W Mariott</keyword> and Mayfair are some of the chain brands that are setting up boutique as well as experiential hotels in these cities. “Major hotel chains are adapting to the evolving preferences of spiritual tourists, offering clean, hygienic, and family-friendly accommodations that command premium pricing. Branded hotels are emerging as key players, offering a blend of comfort and traditional hospitality tailored for spiritual seekers,” says CBRE.

Retail, real estate and religion: Spiritual hotspots brace for a tourism boom

The politically charged town of <keyword id="6354931" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Ayodhya">Ayodhya</keyword> in Uttar Pradesh would have a state of-the-art Ram museum to promote <keyword id="6363500" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="ramayana">Ramayana</keyword>. <keyword id="6358079" type="POSITION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Tourism-Minister">Tourism Minister</keyword> <keyword id="210147" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Mahesh-Sharma">Mahesh Sharma</keyword> told the Economic Times that the <keyword id="6360789" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Modi-Government">Modi government</keyword> is coming up with the museum, which would be part of the proposed 'Ramayana circuit'. Fortunately, the ‘disputed site’, the reason for all the battles, would not be touched by the project. "This will be an exclusive museum which will be part of a larger holistic plan. The idea is to depict the mahima (grandeur) of <keyword id="353792" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Lord-Ram">Lord Ram</keyword> and Ramayana," Sharma said. "It is on high priority and the scale will depend on funds available. We will do this next year." The museum would be build on the model of the Swaminarayan <keyword id="76721" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Akshardham-Temple">Akshardham temple</keyword> in Delhi - which features a sound and light show, boat ride and a film on Swaminarayan - and house archaeological material related to the deity. 

	The minister said work would soon begin on the detailed project report. 
 

	In order to again turn Ayodhya into a major cultural hub, the Modi government plans to develop all sites related to Lord Ram in and around the town.. When asked about the political ramifications, the minister said that the museum may reach the state of completion in 2017, a time when UP elections are due. He added, "Tourism we can develop. We are not saying we are going to make a Ram mandir there."
 

	The tourism minister further stated that the government is already working on a chain of five circuits. "For every year we will declare a different circuit. Ramayana circuit will start with the centre somewhere in Ayodhya and Chitrakoot and definitely we go to Makohda in Basti, then Janaki kund in Unnao and nearby areas and places relevant to the life of Ram...that is our idea," he said. 
 

	The Centre would also host what it calls are cultural activities revolving around Ram and Ramayana at events abroad, including festivals and travel marts. According to officials of the Tourism Ministry, the government has already asked Uttar Pradesh to send a proposal for the project under the Centre's Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) scheme. 
 

	"We have requested the state government to develop the proposal under the PRASAD scheme. Cost estimates are open-ended as of now and depend on the outline and scale of the proposal. This is actually an inter-state project as well so we will talk to other states as well," Tourism Secretary Lalit Pawar said. Rakesh Tiwari, director-general of Archaeological Survey of India (<keyword id="46215" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="ASI">ASI</keyword>), said that discussions on the Ramayana circuit are still at a preliminary stage and the ASI would help the tourism ministry with all related inputs. 

	"We will help develop the circuit in whichever way the government asks us to. Cultural bodies are also going to be roped in to bring alive the folklore and legends associated with Ramayana," said Tiwari. 
 

	(Image: Indiatimes)

Not a temple, but a hi-tech Ram museum is coming up in Ayodhya

<ul><li>The UP government is seeking funds under the Companies Act of 2013, which requires companies to allocate 2% of their average net profit for three years to <keyword id="6354502" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="CSR">CSR</keyword>. </li><li>The 86 <keyword id="776573" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="religious-tourism">religious tourism</keyword> projects require an investment of 2,725 crores. This includes the proposed construction of a 100-metre statue of Lord Ram in Ayodhya for 330 crores. </li><li>The funds are better spent elsewhere. <keyword id="6357713" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Uttar-Pradesh">Uttar Pradesh</keyword> lags behind the rest of the country on a number of important <keyword id="6355210" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="development">development</keyword> indicators. </li></ul> India’s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, falls short on a number of important development indicators. According to <a href="http://rchiips.org/NFHS/pdf/NFHS4/UP_FactSheet.pdf">data</a> from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, only 43% of households in the state have electricity, 45% of the women are literate, 23% of babies are immunised and 30% of the men have knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, 4 of the 10 least developed districts in India are in the state, as per a <a href="http://niti.gov.in/writereaddata/files/AspirationalDistrictsBaselineRankingMarch2018.pdf">baseline ranking</a> by Niti Aayog. And yet, the UP government’s main priority seems to be the appeasement of its Hindu vote bank. The Yogi Adityanath-led administration is seeking funds for 86 religious tourism projects under <a href="http://www.mca.gov.in/SearchableActs/Section135.htm">Section 135</a> of the 2013 Companies Act, which orders companies of a certain size to allocate 2% of their average net profit for three years to corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. The projects require an investment of 2,725 crores, according to an investment prospectus prepared by the state government with Ernst and Young. A key project is the construction of a 100-metre tall statue of Lord Ram in Ayodhya, which is expected to cost 330 crores. This is nearly triple the amount of funds that the government allocated to providing books and uniforms to school kids in its <a href="http://budget.up.nic.in/budgetbhashan/budgetbhashan2018_2019.pdf">budget for 2018-19</a>. The project, which was <a href="http://indianexpress.com/article/india/yogi-adityanath-government-proposes-grand-statue-of-ram-at-ayodhya-river-banks-in-uttar-pradesh-4882631/">first announced </a>in October last year, brings to mind the spending spree of Mayawati, the former chief minister of UP, whose investments in parks and statues cost the state an estimated <a href="http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/mayawati-memorials-cost-rs-5919-cr-says-lda/951755/">5,919 crores.</a> Other projects in the prospectus include the 100-crore redevelopment of a pilgrimage route in Varanasi and 45-crore additions to the Gorakhpur Temple, where Adityanath is the head priest. When <a href="http://finance.bih.nic.in/documents/csr-policy.pdf">the CSR policy</a> was drawn up, it was envisioned as a way to get corporate India to contribute to social causes and improve development outcomes. Under a prescriptive (but not exhaustive) list, the major CSR activities recognised were eradicating hunger, promoting education, encouraging gender equality, improving the quality and accessibility of healthcare, protecting the environment and skill development. However, the act has consistently been used to divert funds to unnecessary ends, even at the behest of the government in some cases. In October last year, four public sector oil companies - ONGC, HPCL, Indian Oil Corp and Oil India Ltd- spent a combined total of <a href="https://www.livemint.com/Companies/X0jTp5bYxHuPWGvmsJVvHP/PSUs-devote-over-Rs121-crore-of-CSR-funds-towards-Statue-of.html">121 crores</a> on the construction of a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Gujarat. The funds that the UP government is asking for are better spent elsewhere. Perhaps in <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/lucknow/with-shoes-worth-rs-266-cr-in-tatters-up-kids-walk-barefoot-to-schools/story-STKRcOIz7MhufYXVBWIUbP.html">providing better footwear </a>for schoolchildren or effectively implementing <a href="https://thewire.in/labour/mnrega-continues-to-fail-common-man-rural-up">work guarantee schemes</a> in villages or providing <a href="http://indianexpress.com/article/india/uttar-pradesh-physically-challenged-son-takes-man-on-cart-to-health-centre-ferries-body-back-5113823/">community health centres with vans.</a> However, this is the same administration that has allocated 98.5 crores to cow shelters and 1,500 crores to Kumbh Mela festivities in its budget for next year. It clearly needs to get its priorities straight.

You Searched For "ayodhya tourism" and got 5 results

Goa remains top, spiritual tourism remains hot, premium accommodations grow fast — MMT’s summer travel trends for 2024

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Retail, real estate and religion: Spiritual hotspots brace for a tourism boom

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Not a temple, but a hi-tech Ram museum is coming up in Ayodhya

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Yogi Adityanath administration looking to tap development funds for statue building

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