Monsoon Drives Surge in Leisure Travel with OYO Reporting 32% Increase in Bookings

By Author

Published on July 10, 2023

OYO, a global hospitality technology company, has unveiled intriguing travel trends during the monsoon season. Notably, there has been a significant 32% surge in booking demand compared to the previous year.

Leisure destinations have taken the lead in driving this surge, indicating a notable shift in traveller preferences. Traditionally associated with summer vacations, people are now increasingly opting for delightful getaways during the rainy season.

Mountains have emerged as the clear favourite, experiencing an astounding 124% increase in travel demand this monsoon. Nainital, Mussoorie, Shimla, Lonavala, and Ooty have captured the imagination of travellers with their serene landscapes, picturesque views, and pleasant weather.

Beach destinations have also witnessed a notable upswing, with a remarkable 112% increase in bookings compared to last year. Goa and Pondicherry topped the list, while offbeat destinations such as Digha, Alibaug, and Kollam gained popularity among those seeking unique experiences during the monsoon.

Furthermore, spiritual destinations have seen increased traction, with Varanasi, Puri, Tirupati, Amritsar, and Haridwar emerging as the preferred choices for travellers seeking spiritual solace amidst the rain.

Overall, these trends reflect a growing trend of travellers embracing the monsoon season for leisure travel, exploring diverse landscapes, and creating unforgettable memories.

Varanasi Gears Up for Maha Kumbh 2025 with Massive Tourist Preparations

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 12, 2025

Varanasi, one of India’s most spiritual destinations, is preparing to welcome a significant influx of tourists for the Maha Kumbh 2025, an event of unparalleled religious significance. While Prayagraj remains the epicenter of the festival, Varanasi expects to host nearly 20 crore visitors, amounting to 40% of the total 40-45 crore pilgrims estimated to attend the event.

Enhanced Railway Arrangements

The Varanasi Cantt railway station is taking extensive steps to manage the surge in passenger traffic. Arpit Kumar Gupta, Director of the station, shared details about the preparations:

Additional trains have been scheduled to accommodate the increased demand.
E-ticketing and waiting areas are being set up to streamline passenger flow and prevent overcrowding.
Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) and medical facilities will be available for convenience and safety.

Gupta elaborated on the holding areas, which will provide seating for around 2,000 passengers, along with train indicator boards to ensure smooth navigation.

Improved Transportation for Devotees

To further enhance connectivity, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched special shuttle buses and electric buses named 'Atal Seva.' These vehicles, part of the Uttar Pradesh Transport Corporation's fleet, aim to provide seamless travel for devotees visiting both Prayagraj and Varanasi.

Maha Kumbh Highlights

During Maha Kumbh 2025, devotees will gather to take a holy dip at the Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati, considered a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual ritual. Major bathing dates include:

January 14 (Makar Sankranti)
January 29 (Mauni Amavasya)
February 3 (Basant Panchami)

Anticipating a Spiritual Surge

Varanasi’s tourism department, railway authorities, and transport services are working in synergy to ensure a memorable experience for millions of pilgrims. The preparations not only highlight the city’s readiness but also underscore its cultural and spiritual importance during this mega event.

FHRAI Applauds Andhra Pradesh's Visionary Tourism Policy 2024-29

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 10, 2025

The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) has lauded the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Policy 2024-29, recognizing it as a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming the state into a premier global tourism destination. By integrating sustainability, economic growth, and cultural preservation, the policy sets a new benchmark for tourism development in India.

A key highlight of the policy is the Industry Status granted to the tourism and hospitality sector, underscoring its importance as a catalyst for economic growth, employment generation, and regional development. Backed by this recognition, the policy introduces fiscal incentives like 100% stamp duty reimbursement, land conversion charge waivers, and subsidies on fixed capital investments. These measures are designed to encourage private investments worth ₹25,000 crore and facilitate ease of doing business in the sector.

The policy outlines ambitious goals, including increasing the state's tourism Gross Value Added (GVA) from 4.6% to 8%, expanding employment contributions from 12% to 15%, and growing room inventory from 3,500 to 10,000 in the classified category. To achieve these targets, it proposes developing seven major hubs and 25 tourism circuits that focus on beach tourism, eco-tourism, Buddhist heritage, river cruises, and temple tourism.

With a strong emphasis on sustainability, the policy incorporates initiatives such as zero-emission zones, Blue Flag-certified beaches, and green-certified accommodations. It also prioritizes workforce development, offering skill enhancement programs in hospitality, eco-tourism, and specialized sectors like MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).

Reacting to the policy, Mr. K. Syama Raju, President of FHRAI, expressed optimism, stating: "Recognizing tourism as an industry, coupled with substantial incentives and a focus on thematic circuits, will elevate Andhra Pradesh's appeal as a tourist destination. With its emphasis on sustainability and community empowerment, this policy has the potential to drive significant economic growth and create employment opportunities. FHRAI is eager to collaborate with the state government to realize these goals."

The policy also simplifies administrative processes with a single-window clearance system and the establishment of Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) to oversee tourism hubs and circuits. District-level hubs will further support investors and ensure streamlined project implementation.

FHRAI believes that the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Policy 2024-29 is a visionary roadmap that other states can emulate. By fostering sustainability, promoting inclusivity, and integrating private investments with infrastructure upgrades, the policy positions Andhra Pradesh as a leader in India's tourism sector.

About FHRAI

The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), established in 1955, is the apex body of the Indian hospitality industry and the third-largest hospitality association globally. Representing the interests of the sector, FHRAI actively collaborates with government bodies, international organizations, and civil society to drive growth and innovation in India's tourism and hospitality landscape.

Tamarind Global Introduces Luxury Fleet to Redefine Travel

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 9, 2025

Tamarind Global, one of India’s leading destination and event management companies, has announced the launch of its all-new luxury fleet, elevating its ground transportation offerings for corporate and leisure travelers alike.

This upgraded fleet features the Maruti Suzuki Invicto, a premium vehicle known for its seamless blend of luxury, technology, and efficiency. Designed with a focus on traveler comfort, the new fleet includes:

Spacious interiors with luxurious seating for up to seven passengers
Advanced climate control systems for a comfortable journey
State-of-the-art infotainment features, ensuring entertainment on the go

Commenting on the launch, Louis D'Souza, Director of Tamarind Global, shared:
"We're excited to launch the new fleet of vehicles, ready to elevate our customers' travel experience. Ideal for scenic road trips, immaculate business travel, family sojourns, and more, our new luxurious fleet ensures every journey is unforgettably safe and smooth."

The vehicles are driven by professional chauffeurs, known for their courteous demeanor, punctuality, and thorough knowledge of routes. This reflects Tamarind Global’s unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional client service.

With this launch, Tamarind Global continues to push the boundaries of travel excellence. The addition of new-age vehicles to its portfolio highlights the company's promise to provide innovative and luxurious services, ensuring every commute is both safe and memorable.

This luxury fleet is ideal for a variety of travel needs, from scenic road trips to business commutes, family vacations, and more, offering travelers an unmatched blend of comfort and sophistication.

Tamarind Global's dedication to premium travel experiences sets a new benchmark in the industry, positioning it as a leader in luxury ground transportation solutions.

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