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.


Swim with Giants: Four Seasons Maldives Unveils 2025 Manta Hot Dates

Swim with Giants: Four Seasons Maldives Unveils 2025 Manta Hot Dates

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 18, 2025

What do the moon and manta rays have in common? They both play a crucial role in one of the ocean’s most breathtaking natural spectacles—the mass gathering of manta rays in Baa Atoll’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Thanks to the groundbreaking research of the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme, based at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, travelers now have a scientifically backed chance to witness these gentle giants in action. The team has combined two decades of manta tracking, moon phase analysis, and tidal movements to predict the Manta Hot Dates for 2025—the optimal times when these marine marvels are expected to congregate in vast numbers.

2025 Manta Hot Dates

  • May 10 – 14 | May 25 – 29
  • June 9 – 13 | June 23 – 27
  • July 8 – 12 | July 22 – 26
  • August 7 – 11 | August 21 – 25
  • September 5 – 9 | September 19 – 23
  • October 5 – 9 | October 19 – 23
  • November 3 – 7 | November 18

A Front-Row Seat to the Ocean’s Grand Performance

With over 4,477 manta sightings recorded in 2024—alongside 26 whale sharks and nine devil rays—the waters around Landaa Giraavaru offer an unparalleled marine adventure. Guests visiting during the Manta Hot Dates can join the exclusive Manta Watch experience, which includes:

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Manta-on-Call speedboat safari – Get alerted via a personal phone the moment mantas are sighted nearby.
Dolphin cruise – Witness playful dolphins leaping across the Indian Ocean.
Coral frame propagation – Contribute to marine conservation by helping restore coral reefs.
Round-trip shared seaplane transfers from Velana International Airport.
Daily breakfast at Café Landaa or Blu Restaurant.

For those who prefer spontaneity, the resort’s Manta-on-Call program offers a real-time adventure—guests receive a direct call the moment manta rays are spotted, allowing them to rush to a speedboat and snorkel with these oceanic giants on their terms.

More Than a Spectacle—A Conservation Mission

Since its inception in 2005, the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme has played a vital role in protecting manta rays worldwide. Project Manager Elspeth Strike explains,

“Seeing a guest’s face light up as they spot a manta for the first time is unforgettable. At Landaa Giraavaru, we combine conservation with education—offering managed experiences that allow people to connect with these incredible creatures while helping ensure their future.”

Manta sightings are seasonal and subject to weather conditions and the moods of these gentle giants.

To book your Manta Watch adventure at Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, click here, email reservations.mal@fourseasons.com, or call +960 66 00 888.


Business Travel Show Asia Pacific to Launch in Singapore This April

Business Travel Show Asia Pacific to Launch in Singapore This April

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 16, 2025

The Business Travel Show Asia Pacific is set to make its debut in Singapore on April 16-17, 2025, at Marina Bay Sands, uniting over 200 corporate travel buyers from across Asia Pacific, the US, the UK, and Europe with 50+ top-tier exhibitors from the global travel industry. Backed by BTN Group’s 30 years of expertise in corporate travel events, this launch marks a significant milestone for the region’s booming business travel sector.

A World-Class Corporate Travel Event

The Asia Pacific region is the world’s fastest-growing corporate travel market, with spending projected to hit $900 billion this year. Business Travel Show APAC is more than just a trade show—it’s a critical platform for industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and stay ahead in an evolving landscape.

Exhibitors include some of the most influential names in the travel industry, such as Oneworld, Wings, Wego, Amex GBT, BCD, Amex Card, Emburse, and more. The event promises meaningful business meetings, knowledge-sharing sessions, and exclusive networking opportunities for buyers and suppliers alike.

Exclusive Hosted Buyer Programme

Senior corporate travel decision-makers can apply for the hosted buyer programme, which includes:

  • Complimentary travel and accommodation
  • Curated one-on-one meetings with key suppliers
  • VIP access to event sessions and networking lounges

Corporate travel managers and procurement professionals handling business travel programmes are encouraged to register early to secure their spot.

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Expert Panels & Cutting-Edge Industry Insights

Spanning two days, the event features 16 free-to-attend sessions covering:

  • Sustainability in corporate travel
  • Enhancing traveller experience
  • Innovative travel technology
  • Supplier sourcing strategies
  • Cost-cutting and resilience in travel programmes

Speakers from Avis Budget Group, MSD International, IKEA, Rheinmetall, Crisis24, HN Consulting, and Align Tech will share their expertise.

Business Travel Innovation Faceoff & APAC Travel Buyer of the Year Award

For the first time in APAC, the Business Travel Innovation Faceoff will showcase game-changing solutions set to redefine corporate travel. Additionally, the APAC Travel Buyer of the Year Award will honor a regional leader in corporate travel innovation.


CGH Earth Saha Unveils Coorg Wild Walk – A Wilderness Retreat at Nagarhole

CGH Earth Saha Unveils Coorg Wild Walk – A Wilderness Retreat at Nagarhole

By Author

Published on March 10, 2025

CGH Earth Saha has launched its ninth villa, Coorg Wild Walk, adjacent to Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka. Nestled within a lush coffee estate near Kutta’s Nanachi Gate, this secluded four-bedroom villa offers travelers an intimate and immersive experience in one of India’s most pristine wildlife reserves, home to tigers, leopards, elephants, and a thriving bird population.

Designed as a peaceful retreat, the villa blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Expansive picture windows frame uninterrupted views of the coffee plantation and forest, while the semi-open lounge and dining areas allow guests to stay connected to nature. Infused with Kodava craftsmanship, the interiors add a touch of local charm to the space. Guests can book individual rooms or reserve the entire villa for a private escape.

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The experience at Coorg Wild Walk extends beyond the villa. Guided nature walks, birdwatching excursions, and safaris in Nagarhole offer thrilling encounters with wildlife. The on-site culinary offerings celebrate the flavors of Kodagu and Karnataka, with locally sourced ingredients shaping an authentic dining experience.

"We are thrilled to welcome guests to Coorg Wild Walk. Nestled within a coffee plantation and just minutes from the Nanachi Gate of Nagarhole National Park, this retreat offers an unmatched connection with nature. Whether it's waking up to bird calls, sipping estate-grown coffee on the verandah, or embarking on curated wildlife experiences, the thrill of the forest is ever-present," said George Joseph, Vice President, Operations – CGH Earth.

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With a strong focus on sustainability and cultural authenticity, CGH Earth Saha continues its legacy of crafting meaningful travel experiences. Coorg Wild Walk promises a unique blend of adventure and serenity, making it an ideal getaway for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts.

More details at CGH Earth Saha

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