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.


India’s Longest Glass Skywalk Bridge to Open in Vizag’s Kailasagiri Hills

India’s Longest Glass Skywalk Bridge to Open in Vizag’s Kailasagiri Hills

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 9, 2025

Visakhapatnam is about to add a new landmark to its tourism map with the launch of India’s longest glass skywalk bridge at Kailasagiri Hills. The 55-metre-long structure, perched 862 feet above ground, will offer visitors panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal, the bustling city of Vizag, and the Eastern Ghats.

The new attraction has been designed with both thrill and safety in mind. Built with three layers of 40-mm thick tempered laminated glass imported from Germany, the bridge is supported by 40 tonnes of steel and engineered to handle up to 500 kg per square metre. The project, developed at a cost of INR 7 crore, also takes into account the region’s cyclone-prone climate, with the structure built to withstand wind speeds of up to 250 km/h.

While the bridge can technically accommodate over 100 people, entry will be carefully regulated for safety and visitor experience. Only 40 visitors will be allowed at a time, with each visit lasting between 5 and 10 minutes, ensuring everyone gets a chance to enjoy the walk.

The glass skywalk at Kailasagiri Hills surpasses Kerala’s Vagamon bridge, which measures 38 metres, making it the longest hanging glass bridge in the country. Its location was finalized after a detailed survey to ensure visitors get the most scenic vantage points.

The initiative was developed through a public-private partnership between the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA), SSM Shipping & Logistics, and Bharat Mata Ventures, the creators of the Vagamon bridge. Alongside the glass skywalk, other attractions such as ziplining and sky cycling by RJ Adventures are also being introduced, turning Kailasagiri into a growing adventure hub.

The bridge is expected to be inaugurated soon, with final touches like lighting and safety checks underway. Once opened, it is anticipated to become one of the most popular attractions in the region, drawing tourists from across India and abroad to experience Vizag’s natural beauty from a whole new perspective.


Biggest Setback to Char Dham Yatra Since the 2013 Kedarnath Disaster

Biggest Setback to Char Dham Yatra Since the 2013 Kedarnath Disaster

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 7, 2025

The Char Dham Yatra this year has suffered its worst disruption in more than a decade, second only to the catastrophic Kedarnath floods of 2013. Continuous rains, flash floods, and landslides have brought the annual pilgrimage to a standstill for over 50 days, leaving behind significant human and financial losses.

According to official data, 80 people lost their lives, 114 were injured, and 95 remain missing due to weather-related incidents since April 1. The calamities also destroyed 229 houses and left 1,828 partially damaged, underscoring the widespread impact of the extreme weather conditions.

The pilgrimage to Gangotri and Yamunotri was halted for over 20 days each, while Badrinath and Kedarnath saw shorter suspensions of four days each. Since the yatra began on May 4, more than 40 lakh devotees have visited the four Himalayan shrines. However, from July onwards, heavy rains forced authorities to impose repeated bans on movement, causing a steep decline in pilgrim turnout.

Stakeholders said that excluding the pandemic years, this season may have caused the highest financial losses in recent history. “This has been the most challenging season in recent memory. Many bookings have been cancelled, and there are no new inquiries. September was our last hope, but numbers may fall far below last year’s,” said Sudhir Rana, a travel agency owner.

Among the worst-hit destinations is Gangotri, where the Dharali disaster caused severe damage. “It will take us a long time to recover. Most people are still coming to terms with the magnitude of their losses,” said Rajnikant Semwal, a resident of Mukhba.

The shortened duration of the yatra has worsened matters. With Diwali falling earlier this year, three of the four shrines are expected to close by October, reducing the earning window for locals. “Hotel occupancy rates in July, August, and now early September have plummeted to around 10%. Except for some business in May and June, the season has remained completely dry,” said Rakesh Ranjan, president of the Joshimath Hotel Association.

Echoing these concerns, Brijesh Sati, general secretary of Char Dham Teerth Purohit Mahapanchayat, said, “We had just begun recovering from the Covid-induced losses. This year’s natural disasters have pushed us back further.”

As the season heads towards an early closure, pilgrims, hoteliers, and traders remain uncertain about recovery, with many still grappling with the devastation caused by nature’s fury.


Akasa Air Expands Chennai–Abu Dhabi Connectivity with 6x Weekly Service

Akasa Air Expands Chennai–Abu Dhabi Connectivity with 6x Weekly Service

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 6, 2025

Akasa Air has strengthened its international operations by inaugrated its direct flight from Chennai to Abu Dhabi route with 6x weekly services. The flights, which began on 1st September, are now operating with enhanced frequency to meet growing travel demand.

This new route not only improves connectivity between Chennai and Abu Dhabi but also offers travellers the airline’s signature service at affordable fares. The route functions as a turnaround flight, with inbound and outbound operations at Abu Dhabi International Airport and a ground time of just two hours, ensuring efficiency and convenience.

This inaugral service reflects Akasa Air’s focus on expanding its global footprint and supporting seamless travel between India and the UAE. By offering more flight options, the airline continues to cater to both business and leisure travellers while reinforcing its reputation for reliability and customer-friendly service.

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