More Indians are now embarking on Spiritual journeys, weekend getaways and family holidays

Latest trends shaping the Travel and Hotel Industry indicate an increase in the holiday frequency of Backpackers and family travelers looking for spiritual serenity and affordable luxury not only in domestic destinations, but also in international travel. 

From Backpackers to Bon-Vivants – and everything in between – Indian travellers are not just reshaping the realm of domestic tourism but also commanding an increasingly important role in the ambit of international travel, leaving no corner of the globe too out of reach.  Taking insights from travel searches by its 100M+ annual active users, MakeMyTrip has put together some of the top behaviours of Indian travellers it the first edition of its India Travel Trends Report. 

Insights include where, when and how India travels, top trends from millions of journeys – both from a national and a region-wise perspective. Understanding the evolving travel behavior of Indian travelers is essential to help shape the future of tourism, both domestically and globally. Here are the highlights of India Travel Trends:  

 

As India emerges as a formidable force in the tourism sector, these insights can help bridge the demand and supply gaps in the travel and hospitality space. This means crafting policies, identifying destinations, and creating experiences that resonate with the traveller’s unique travel preferences and aspirations. Recognizing and catering to each traveller’s diverse behaviour will not only enhance travel experiences but also contribute significantly to the growth and development of the tourism industry.”

Some Key Insights from the report are as below – 

WHERE INDIA TRAVELS

 Number of people taking more than 3 trips per year has grown by 25% in 2023 as compared to 2019.

 Tier-2 and tier-3 cities are embracing spiritual journeys, with searches for destinations with or

around religious spots growing 97% in the last two years.

 Searches for Ayodhya grew by 585%, Ujjain by 359% and Badrinath by 343% in 2023 as compared to

2022.

 Weekend getaways continue to curry favour with Indian travellers – Searches for Jim Corbett grew

by 131% in 2023 as compared to 2022; Ooty and Munnar are other favourites in this context.

 30% all international travel searches from India are for Dubai, Bangkok and Singapore while London,

Toronto and New York are the most searched long-haul destinations. 

 Searches for emerging international destinations grew by multi-fold in 2023 – hot favourites include

Hong Kong, Almaty, Paro, Baku, Da Nang and Tbilisi. 

WHEN, WITH WHOM AND HOW INDIA TRAVELS

 Family vs Solo - Family travel bookings surged by 64% in 2023 as compared to 2022, followed by solo

traveller booking growth at 23% for the same comparative period.

 Flight booking preferences –

o 50% of all domestic flyers pick flights between 9am and 6pm irrespective of destination or

origin.

o A significant portion of travel bookings in India are made spontaneously, with 46% of

domestic flights booked less than a week before the travel date. In contrast, about half of all

international bookings are made at least two weeks in advance.

o Only one-third of international bookings are made more than a month before the travel

date, suggesting a flexible approach to international travel planning among Indian travellers.

o Women prefer to pre-book window seats, while men pick aisle seats.

o Tomato Cucumber Cheese Lettuce Sandwich is the most ordered in-flight meal on domestic

flights.

 Accommodation booking preferences –

o 56% of domestic leisure hotel bookings on the platform are made less than a week before

the day of travel.

o 33% of international hotel bookings are made at least 30 days before the date of travel.

o Alternative accommodations on the platform recorded 24% growth in bookings in 2023

o For Hostels and Apartments, the preference is for those less than INR 2,500 per night but for

Villas, it is higher. 

o Close to 20% of family travellers searched for properties with tariffs over INR 10,000 per

night.

 Payment Preference – UPI is the most preferred payment method for booking travel, making close

to 40% of all transaction types, followed by use of credit cards. Credit card is the most used payment

mode for high value transactions such as for booking international hotels and flights. This can be

attributed to the benefits associated with credit card payments.

 The gift of travel – Wedding gift cards in the denominations of INR 5000 and 10000 are the most

gifted. 1 out of 2 travel gift cards being purchased are being gifted as wedding shagun.

City-specific insights

DELHI-SPECIFIC INSIGHTS AT A GLANCE

- Rishikesh, Amritsar are some of the most searched destinations

- Travellers prefer flights between 12 PM and 6PM

- Travellers over-indexed on booking domestic flights less than a week ahead of travel date

- Travellers showcase higher intent for pre-booking meals while traveling International

- Northern states have a higher preference for Hostels

- Almost half of all domestic travellers book a room with breakfast and a major meal

 

MUMBAI-SPECIFIC INSIGHTS AT A GLANCE

- Goa, Pune, are some of the most searched destinations

- Travellers prefer flights between 12 PM and 6PM

- Travellers showcase higher intent for pre-booking meals while traveling International

- Maharashtra has the highest share of domestic hotel searches overall – highest preference for

Villas

- More than half of domestic hotel bookers book room with breakfast; internationally they prefer

room only

KOLKATA -SPECIFIC INSIGHTS AT A GLANCE

- Digha, Mandarmani are some of the most searched destinations

- Travellers have a higher proclivity to book flights over 3 months in advance for both international

and domestic

- Travellers have a higher preference for booking in-flight meals for domestic

- Eastern states have a higher preference for Hotels

- Approximately half of travellers prefer room only for domestic hotel bookings

- 60% of international hotel bookers prefer room with breakfast

CHENNAI-SPECIFIC INSIGHTS AT A GLANCE

- Madurai, Pondicherry are some of the most searched destinations

- Travellers prefer flights between 6PM to 12AM

- Travellers over indexed when it comes to booking international flights 30 days in advance

- Travellers most actively pre-select seats for domestic and international flights

- Travellers have a higher preference for booking in-flight meals for domestic

- Southern states have a higher preference for alternative accommodations

- Maximum preference for room only bookings for international hotels

BANGALORE-SPECIFIC INSIGHTS AT A GLANCE

- Mysore, Coorg, Mangalore are some of the most searched destinations

- Travellers prefer flights between 12AM - 6AM

- Travellers most actively pre-select seats for international flights

- Travellers have a higher preference for booking in-flight meals for domestic

- Bangalore has a higher preference for villas while traveling domestically

HYDERABAD-SPECIFIC INSIGHTS AT A GLANCE

- Vishakhapatnam, Tirupati are some of the most searched destinations

- Travellers prefer flights between 6AM and 3PM

- Travellers over-indexed on booking domestic flights in less than a week and international flights 30

days ahead of travel date

- Travellers most actively pre-select seats for domestic flights

- Southern states have a higher preference for alternative accommodations

- Approximately half of domestic travellers prefer room only

Ten Most Safest Countries in the World

Pictures of tranquil seafronts, families picnicking, celebrations of the society, sandy beaches, hills, mountains and other pics often seen in publicity materials of any country. The true fact is that these images or stories or features do not guarantee at least a safe lifestyle of an individual in that country.  

A number of parameters are used to define a country's safety, which can keep changing over a period of time. Writes Pankaj Bansal.

Among several other factors, the parameters used for this index such as internal and external conflict, political situation, criminal cases, incarceration rate, homicide rate, terror activities, military expenditure, violent demonstrations, etc. are taken into consideration. 

As humans fight for the earth's resources, crimes and conflicts are witnessed in various parts of the world. However, there are also locations that are relatively peaceful. For international travelers, it becomes important to know the facts about a location they are visiting. This may be even more relevant from a woman's perspective. Investors and people looking for a new home may also want to know about the safest places on the planet. To help you make informed decisions, here is a quick look at the top 10 safest countries in the world.

Iceland - As per the 2023 Global Peace Index, Iceland is rated as the most safest country in the world. Iceland has held this ranking since 2008. It had a score of 1.124 in the 2023 Global Peace Index. 

With a close-knit population of around 380,000 and strong social cohesion, Iceland has the most peaceful environment in the world. Iceland is a well-established democratic country.

Denmark - At number two in the list of safest countries in the world is Denmark. It has a score of 1.31 in the 2023 Global Peace Index. Danish people follow a unique lifestyle, which is centered around contentment and coziness. This has contributed immensely in making Denmark a safe place to live. Other supportive factors include generous social programs and a robust healthcare system. 

Ireland - The third safest country in the world is Ireland. It has a score of 1.312 in the 2023 Global Peace Index. People are friendly in Ireland and the country has a strong focus on social welfare programs. Crime rate in Ireland is one of the lowest in the world.

New Zealand - Fourth in the list of safest countries is New Zealand. It has a score of 1.313 in the 2023 Global Peace Index. With a small population of around 5 million and a strong sense of community, New Zealand is a haven for safety. With a robust legal system, the crime rate is quite low. 

Austria - At number five is Austria, with a score of 1.316 in the 2023 Global Peace Index. Located in the heart of Central Europe, Austria is known for its peaceful atmosphere and cultural richness. The country has a strong safety net for its residents and also a comprehensive healthcare system. It promotes a sense of well-being, which in turn fosters peace. 

Singapore - Placed at 6th position, Singapore has a score of 1.332 in the 2023 Global Peace Index. Strict enforcement of rules has helped achieve a low crime rate in Singapore. The homicide rate of 0.2 per every 100,000 people is one of the lowest in the world. 

Portugal - At number seven in the list is Portugal, with a score of 1.333 in the 2023 Global Peace Index. With stricter law reforms, the crime rate in Portugal has reduced significantly in recent years. The country has a welcoming culture that encourages peaceful living. Moreover, Portugal has a much lower cost of living in comparison to other European nations. 

Slovenia - The eighth safest country in the world is Slovenia. It has a score of 1.334 in the 2023 Global Peace Index. Slovenia has the charms of Central European countries and has a peaceful atmosphere. Citizens are attentive to community safety and there is a strong police presence.  

Japan - At number nine in the list is Japan. It has a score of 1.336 in the 2023 Global Peace Index. Japanese culture is centered around respect and social order. This has helped achieve a low crime rate. Japan has a robust legal system and a strong sense of community welfare. People are cooperative and give attention to minimizing conflict. 

Switzerland - The tenth safest country in the world is Switzerland. It has a score of 1.339 in the 2023 Global Peace Index. While known for its beautiful landscapes, Switzerland also has a strong reputation for safety. With a stable governance system and focus on political neutrality, Switzerland has remained peaceful for decades. The country also has a robust healthcare system.

This feature is compiled by: Pankaj Bansal who is the founder at NewsPatrolling.com and does not reflect the views and opinions of UNIVERSALNEWSLINE.com

Unlock the opportunities in these Domain Skills that are in demand for freshers across industries

Universal Newsline lists some of the top professional skills that could be in huge demand across the cities and industries. 

In recent times, a palpable shift has emerged in the hiring landscape of India, signaling a positive change in the fresher hiring sentiment among employers. This transformation is attributed to several factors that collectively contribute to a more optimistic outlook for entry-level professionals in India, seeking employment. Among the plethora of skills sought after by employers, certain domains stand out as particularly crucial for freshers aiming to kickstart their careers. TeamLease EdTech, with its vision of ‘Making India Employable’, has come out with a forecast report to track the dynamics of the job market for freshers. Here is a rundown of the top 10 domain skills which are in demand for freshers according to the report - 

Data Science - Data Science has become an essential skill across various industries, transforming how organizations leverage data for valuable insights. By employing sophisticated statistical analysis, machine learning, and data visualization methods, Data Scientists reveal insights that inform strategic decisions and foster innovation. Whether predicting customer trends, streamlining operations, or guiding product enhancements, Data Science empowers businesses to remain competitive in the data-centric era

Blockchain - Blockchain has emerged as a revolutionary skill set, reshaping transactional processes and record-keeping practices across diverse sectors. Through its decentralized and transparent ledger system, Blockchain safeguards data integrity and security, minimizing the likelihood of fraudulent activities and unauthorized alterations. Beyond its association with cryptocurrencies, Blockchain finds applications in fields such as supply chain management, healthcare, finance, and electoral systems. 

Content Creation - In today's digital era, content creation has become an essential skill, driving engagement, brand recognition, and customer allegiance across multiple platforms. Whether through compelling blog entries, social media posts, captivating videos, or podcasts, content creators construct narratives that resonate with their intended audiences. Employing strategic storytelling, creative visuals, and effective communication, they convey brand messages, educate consumers, and prompt desired actions. Proficiency in content creation entails mastering diverse mediums, understanding audience preferences, and staying attuned to shifting trends to consistently deliver valuable and captivating content.

Metaverse -  Becoming adept in navigating the Metaverse is about grasping the intricate digital landscape of interconnected virtual worlds. With the rise of the Metaverse concept, individuals skilled in this area can engage in, explore, and shape immersive virtual environments across different platforms. Mastery of the Metaverse encompasses proficiency in various technologies like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and blockchain-driven virtual realms. This includes skills such as 3D modeling, animation, game development, and digital asset creation. Additionally, understanding the social dynamics, economic impacts, and ethical considerations of the Metaverse is essential for utilizing its potential in gaming, entertainment, education, commerce, and social networking. 

Natural Processing Language - Proficiency in Natural Language Processing (NLP) is an essential skill set that lies at the intersection of linguistics, artificial intelligence, and computer science. Those skilled in NLP can comprehend, analyze, and generate human language data, extracting valuable insights from extensive textual resources. NLP applications span from sentiment analysis and language translation to chatbots and virtual assistants, enhancing communication, automation, and decision-making processes across various sectors. Becoming proficient in NLP necessitates mastery of machine learning algorithms, text mining techniques, and linguistic analysis, alongside familiarity with NLP libraries and tools such as NLTK, spaCy, and TensorFlow. 

Full Stack development  - Full Stack development is a versatile skill encompassing both front-end and back-end web development. Those proficient in Full Stack development can create entire web applications independently, covering tasks from user interface design to server-side logic and database management. Mastery in Full Stack development requires expertise in languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks such as React, Angular, Node.js, and Django. With the ability to handle all aspects of web development, Full Stack developers are highly valuable for organizations aiming to build dynamic, responsive, and scalable web applications. 

Robotic Process Automation - Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is a crucial expertise area centered on automating repetitive and rule-based tasks through software robots or "bots." Proficiency in RPA entails designing, developing, and deploying these bots to streamline business processes, boost efficiency, and minimize human errors. RPA developers utilize tools like UiPath, Automation Anywhere, and Blue Prism to craft workflows that replicate human actions, including data entry, extraction, and report generation. By eradicating manual involvement in mundane tasks, RPA empowers organizations to optimize resources, elevate productivity, and expedite digital transformation endeavors. Mastery in RPA also encompasses understanding business workflows, pinpointing automation potentials, and perpetually refining bot performance for optimal outcomes. 

Mobile App Development - Mobile app development is a fundamental expertise domain that covers the entire process of crafting, building, and launching applications tailored for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Proficiency in mobile app development requires adeptness in programming languages like Java, Kotlin (for Android), or Swift (for iOS), coupled with familiarity with frameworks like React Native or Flutter for cross-platform development. Mobile app developers utilize their skills to design intuitive user interfaces, integrate functionalities, and enhance performance across different platforms. Given the escalating reliance on mobile devices for communication, entertainment, commerce, and productivity, mastering mobile app development is imperative for meeting user demands and maintaining competitiveness in the contemporary digital environment

UI/UX Design - UI/UX Design stands as a crucial expertise domain concentrating on crafting user-friendly and captivating interfaces (UI) and experiences (UX) for digital products and services. Proficiency in UI/UX design entails grasping user needs, behaviors, and preferences to develop interfaces that are visually appealing, user-friendly, and efficient. UI designers employ tools like Adobe XD, Sketch, or Figma to create layouts, typography, and visual components, while UX designers concentrate on wireframing, prototyping, and user testing to refine the overall user journey and interaction flow. 

Internet of Things - The Internet of Things (IoT) is a crucial skill domain centered on linking physical devices and sensors to the internet for data gathering, monitoring, and management purposes. Proficiency in IoT entails designing, developing, and deploying interconnected systems that facilitate communication and interaction among devices, enabling automation, optimization, and insights across various fields. IoT developers utilize hardware platforms, communication protocols, and programming languages like C, Python, or JavaScript to construct IoT solutions tailored to specific applications such as smart homes, industrial automation, healthcare monitoring, and environmental sensing. By harnessing IoT technology, organizations can enhance operational efficiency, elevate decision-making processes, and introduce innovative products and services that generate value for both businesses and society.

Certified Financial Planner- CFP Professional Community Surges 8% in India

Certified Financial Planner (CFP) practitioners enjoy a high degree of financial confidence with 98% of clients reporting they trust their CFP professional to act in their best interests. This has resulted in India's CFP Professional Community Soaring to Record High of 2,731, Surging 8.5% Amidst Booming Demand for Professional Financial Planning Guidance as India witnessed 4th highest net growth rate in the world

With more than 50% of people who have never received financial planning advice intending to seek it within the next three years*, Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. (FPSB) is pleased to report the number of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professionals worldwide grew by 5.1% over the previous year. FPSB and its global network of organizations increased the number of global CFP professionals by 10,768 to a total of 223,770 as of 31 December 2023. India saw a surge in demand for professional financial advice, with the community registering a record 2731 CFPs over the year with a 8.5% growth. 

The growth in the number of CFP professionals complements findings from the FPSB Value of Financial Planning Global Consumer Research 2023 that shows those who work with CFP practitioners report a better quality of life, enjoy more financial confidence and resilience, and are more satisfied with their financial situation, with 98% of clients reporting they trust their CFP professional to act in their best interests.

“We’re pleased to see the number of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professionals continues to increase year-over-year to meet the rising demand for professional financial planning advice,” said FPSB CEO Dante De Gori, CFP. “As the global community of CFP professionals grows, more people around the world can access financial planners who have committed to high standards of competency, ethics and practice to build holistic financial plans as they face increased costs of living and complex financial decisions. For nearly three decades, the global CFP professional community has steadily grown, reaching its highest ever at over 223,700. This growth is a true testament to the value CFP certification holds in the global financial planning profession and the clients Certified Financial Planner professionals serve”.

Sharing the numbers, Krishan Mishra, CEO, FPSB India said, "we are thrilled to announce that India's CFP professional community has reached an unprecedented milestone, boasting 2,731 dedicated professionals committed to delivering high-quality financial guidance. This remarkable 8.5% surge reflects not only the growing demand for financial planning advice in our country but also underscores the increasing importance individuals place on securing their financial future. As India proudly ranks among the top 5 in global net growth rates, this achievement speaks volumes about our nation's dedication to fostering financial literacy and stability. Together, we continue to empower individuals to make informed financial decisions and navigate their journey towards prosperity."

CFP professionals around the world are helping clients build holistic financial plans to achieve their goals, as they continue to deal with global economic uncertainty and inflation. The global community of 223,700+ CFP professionals commit to rigorous standards of competency, ethics and practice and to putting clients’ interests first.