Indian Gen Z Travelers Embrace Tech and Value for Money, Booking.com Report Reveals

Indian Gen Z Travelers Embrace Tech and Value for Money, Booking.com Report Reveals

By Nishang Narayan

Published on August 27, 2024

The Gen Z demographic in India is reshaping the travel landscape in 2024, blending an affinity for technology with a sharp focus on value for money, according to a recent report by Booking.com. The study, titled "Decoding the Gen Z Traveller," delves into the travel preferences of those born between 1995 and 2010, highlighting their inclination towards solo adventures, immersive experiences, and tech-enabled travel solutions.

Based on a survey conducted in early 2024, involving 32,300 respondents from 32 markets, including 1,800 participants from India, the report reveals that Gen Z travelers are not only tech-savvy but also budget-conscious. The respondents were adults who had taken a leisure trip with an overnight stay in the last 12 months and planned to travel in 2024.

A Tech-Forward Approach to Travel

The report underscores the growing reliance on technology among Indian Gen Z travelers, with 73% expressing a willingness to use AI trip planners to craft their itineraries. This tech-forward approach extends to their choice of accommodations, with 76% seeking out hotels equipped with advanced amenities like robotic services and AI-enabled touchpoints. Furthermore, 68% of respondents are comfortable using AI to discover lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path destinations, signaling a shift towards personalized and unique travel experiences.

Balancing Solo and Family Travel

While solo travel is gaining popularity among Indian Gen Z, with 85% planning solo journeys this year, family travel remains significant. The report shows that 69% are likely to travel with family members, and 61% with their parents. Social media plays a crucial role in influencing travel decisions, with 77% inspired by friends and family on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

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Budget-Conscious Yet Experience-Oriented

Despite their love for travel, Indian Gen Z is highly budget-conscious. The report highlights that 71% prefer to travel during off-peak seasons to save money, and 73% actively seek discounts through loyalty programs. However, these travelers are not just looking to cut costs—they are also keen on experiencing once-in-a-lifetime activities. For instance, 72% are eager to engage in unique experiences such as skydiving or hot air ballooning during their trips.

Accommodation Choices: Comfort and Familiarity Reign Supreme

When it comes to accommodation, Indian Gen Z tends to stick to what they know. Nearly 70% of respondents admitted to returning to a hotel they enjoyed, while 66% prioritize staying at reliable, familiar hotels. The convenience of booking is also a key factor, with 37% preferring to book attractions and activities simultaneously with their accommodation.

Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia at Booking.com, commented on the findings, stating, "With 65% of India’s population under the age of 35 years, understanding the travel sentiment of Gen Z is crucial. Their eagerness for unique and immersive experiences, combined with their tech-savviness and focus on value for money, is driving the demand for innovative travel solutions. At Booking.com, we are committed to making it easier for all travelers, including Gen Z, to explore the world with everything they need available on one platform."

As Indian Gen Z continues to influence the global travel market, businesses and service providers will need to adapt to meet their unique demands, offering a seamless, tech-enhanced travel experience that doesn't compromise on value.


FLY91 Adds Extra Pune-Goa Daily Flight to Meet Summer Travel Demand

FLY91 Adds Extra Pune-Goa Daily Flight to Meet Summer Travel Demand

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 19, 2026

FLY91 has announced an additional weekday daily flight between Pune and Goa for May 2026 to meet increased passenger demand during the summer holiday season. The temporary addition comes as travel activity continues to rise due to vacations, family trips and seasonal travel movement.

The airline already operates daily weekday services on the Pune-Goa route, while weekend operations currently run twice daily. The newly introduced weekday frequency is expected to provide travellers with more options and greater convenience during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

According to the airline, the decision was taken in response to increased movement from holidaymakers, students, families and business travellers. The Pune-Goa route has witnessed steady demand throughout the summer season, making it an important sector within the airline’s growing network.

By adding another service, FLY91 aims to improve schedule flexibility while increasing seat availability between the two destinations. The move is also expected to ease travel during the peak vacation period and support smoother passenger movement.

Pune continues to remain one of western India’s key educational and commercial centres, while Goa attracts a significant number of domestic travellers during the summer months. The additional service is expected to further strengthen connectivity between the two cities and support increasing regional travel demand.

FLY91 said the new flight also aligns with its broader objective of strengthening dependable and safe regional connectivity across underserved and high-demand sectors in India.

The airline currently operates flights across 12 destinations including Goa (GOX), Pune, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Solapur, Jalgaon, Sindhudurg, Kochi, Agatti, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada and Hubballi.


IRCTC Launches Bharat Gaurav Nepal Yatra from Indore for Pashupatinath Pilgrimage

IRCTC Launches Bharat Gaurav Nepal Yatra from Indore for Pashupatinath Pilgrimage

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 17, 2026

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced a special religious journey to Nepal under its Bharat Gaurav scheme, giving travellers and pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh and nearby regions an opportunity to explore important spiritual and tourist destinations in the neighbouring country.

The special 'Pashupatinath Nepal Darshan Yatra' will begin from Indore on June 12 aboard a Deluxe AC tourist train. According to IRCTC, this is the first Bharat Gaurav tourist train service designed for passengers travelling beyond India’s borders, making it a significant addition to its tourism offerings.

The journey will run for nine nights and 10 days, covering some of Nepal’s well-known religious and tourist attractions. The itinerary includes visits to Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan National Park, and Manakamana Temple. As part of the experience, travellers will also get access to a ropeway ride at Manakamana Temple and a Jeep Safari at Chitwan, arranged by IRCTC.

Passengers can board the train from multiple stations across Madhya Pradesh including Indore, Ujjain, Shujalpur, Sehore, Rani Kamalapati (Bhopal), Itarsi, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, and Satna.

Rahul Holkar, Executive Tourism (Indore), said: "Dining facilities will be available for passengers onboard, with two restaurant coaches arranged for this purpose."

He also shared that the train will have 14 coaches and offer three accommodation categories: First AC, Second AC, and Third AC. The package further includes five-night accommodation in three-star hotels, along with local sightseeing through AC buses.

IRCTC has introduced different fare structures based on the selected category. The package covers rail travel, hotel stays, meals onboard and during the journey, local transportation, sightseeing, travel insurance, tour escorts, security arrangements and housekeeping services.

Officials also clarified that the Nepal Darshan Yatra is a guided tourist journey and should be viewed as a specially curated travel experience rather than a regular international tour package. Bookings for the Bharat Gaurav Nepal Yatra can be made through IRCTC’s official website and authorised offices.


Air India Begins Twice Daily Flights to Ludhiana Halwara Airport

Air India Begins Twice Daily Flights to Ludhiana Halwara Airport

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 16, 2026

Air India has commenced commercial operations to Ludhiana’s newly operational Halwara airport, becoming the first airline to launch services at the airport. The new route strengthens connectivity between Ludhiana and Delhi while also opening access to Air India’s wider international network.

The inaugural flight from Delhi landed at Halwara airport at 0703 Hrs, while the return service departed from Ludhiana at 0800 Hrs. Air India will now operate two daily flights on the Delhi–Ludhiana route using its A320 family aircraft.

The newly launched services have been scheduled to provide passengers with smoother onward connections through Delhi to Air India’s international destinations. Travellers flying from Ludhiana can conveniently connect to cities including London, Paris, Milan, Rome, and Birmingham through a single ticket and a unified baggage allowance system with through check-in facilities.

Passengers will also benefit from same-terminal transfers at Delhi airport, allowing easier movement between domestic and international flights.

The flight schedule for the Delhi–Ludhiana route includes:

  • AI481: Delhi to Ludhiana (Halwara) – Departure: 05:55 | Arrival: 07:05 | Daily
  • AI482: Ludhiana (Halwara) to Delhi – Departure: 07:55 | Arrival: 09:10 | Daily
  • AI483: Delhi to Ludhiana (Halwara) – Departure: 12:55 | Arrival: 14:10 | Daily
  • AI484: Ludhiana (Halwara) to Delhi – Departure: 14:40 | Arrival: 15:55 | Daily

With the launch of operations at Halwara airport, Air India continues to expand its domestic network while strengthening connectivity between regional cities and international destinations.

Bookings for Air India’s Ludhiana flights are now open across all channels, including the airline’s website, mobile app, and travel partners worldwide.

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