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

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.


InterGlobe Foundation and IndiGoReach Organise ‘My City My Heritage’ Walk in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

InterGlobe Foundation and IndiGoReach Organise ‘My City My Heritage’ Walk in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

By Nishang Narayan

Published on April 3, 2025

InterGlobe Foundation, the philanthropic arm of InterGlobe Enterprises, and IndiGoReach, the CSR wing of IndiGo, in partnership with Sahapedia, successfully conducted the ‘My City My Heritage’ walk in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad). Themed "Monks to Mausoleums: Rich History of a Timeless City," the event celebrated the city's deep-rooted cultural and architectural legacy.

This initiative, part of an ongoing campaign, aims to raise awareness about India's diverse heritage, encouraging communities to take pride in their history. Previous editions of the walk have taken place in Prayagraj, Bhubaneswar, Shillong, Nashik, Hyderabad, Kozhikode, and Lucknow.

A Journey Through Time

The walk began at the 2,000-year-old Aurangabad Caves, where participants explored intricate carvings that narrate tales of ancient Buddhist traditions. The journey continued to the Bibi-ka-Maqbara, often called the "Taj of the Deccan," showcasing its stunning Mughal architecture.

Led by Dr. Pushkar Sohoni, the event saw participation from local residents, government officials, and senior leaders from InterGlobe Foundation and IndiGo.

Commitment to Heritage Conservation

Rohini Bhatia, Chairperson, InterGlobe Foundation, emphasized the importance of preserving local heritage:
"Our ‘My City My Heritage’ initiative goes beyond famous landmarks. By spotlighting Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar’s rich history, we hope to instill a sense of pride among its residents, fostering a deeper connection with their cultural roots."

Pieter Elbers, CEO, IndiGo, highlighted the campaign’s impact:
"Walking through Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar’s historic sites reinforced the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. Through this campaign, we aim to inspire travelers to explore India’s vibrant history, truly reflecting our motto—‘India by IndiGo’."

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Ongoing Heritage Conservation Efforts

Both InterGlobe Foundation and IndiGoReach have spearheaded several heritage preservation projects across India, including:

  • InterGlobe Foundation

    • Conservation of Abdur Rahim Khan-I-Khanan’s mausoleum in Delhi

    • Restoration of Indra Kund stepwell in Delwara

    • Tile restoration at Qutb Shah’s Mausoleum

    • Cultural mapping and documentation of ten cities

  • IndiGoReach

    • Restoration of Lal Bagh Palace in Indore

    • Conservation of Qutb Shah’s Mausoleum in Hyderabad

By actively engaging with communities, ‘My City My Heritage’ continues to strengthen India’s cultural and historical fabric, ensuring these stories endure for generations.


TAAI Honours Salma Fahim with the Prestigious WoW Award

TAAI Honours Salma Fahim with the Prestigious WoW Award

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 28, 2025

The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) marked International Women’s Day 2025 by celebrating the leading women in the tourism industry through the TAAI WoW Awards. Among the distinguished awardees, Smt. Salma Fahim, IAS, Secretary, Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, was presented with the TAAI Women of Wonder (WoW) Scroll of Honour for her remarkable contributions to Karnataka’s tourism sector.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Niranjan S Bhargava, Chairman, TAAI Karnataka Chapter, stated, "Ms. Salma Fahim has played a pivotal role in driving Karnataka's tourism growth and promoting sustainable travel initiatives. Her dedication and leadership make her a deserving recipient of the TAAI WoW Award in 2025."

The TAAI WoW Awards recognized 75 women leaders across India, acknowledging their efforts in shaping the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. The event highlighted the crucial role of women professionals in driving innovation and excellence in the tourism sector.

Dignitaries Present at the Award Ceremony

From left to right in the photograph:

  • Mr. Balaji, Treasurer, TAAI Karnataka
  • Mr. Amish Desai, MC Member, TAAI
  • Smt. Salma Fahim, IAS, Secretary, Karnataka Tourism
  • Mr. Niranjan S Bhargava, Chairman, TAAI Karnataka
  • Mr. Jitendra Shetty, Secretary, TAAI Karnataka

About Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI)

Established in 1951, TAAI is India's oldest and largest travel and tourism association, supporting industry growth through 2,500+ member companies across the country. With 20 regional units, TAAI plays a key role in aviation, inbound & outbound tourism, MICE, adventure tourism, and sports tourism.

For further details, contact:

  • Mr. Niranjan S Bhargava – Chairman, TAAI Karnataka Chapter
  • Email: karnataka@taai.in

With this recognition, TAAI continues to celebrate and empower women leaders, reinforcing their impact in shaping the future of Indian tourism.


Maldives Partners with Mumbai Indians as Official Tourist Destination

Maldives Partners with Mumbai Indians as Official Tourist Destination

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 22, 2025

The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Mumbai Indians, making the Maldives the Official Tourist Destination Partner for the 2025 cricket season. This marks Visit Maldives’ first collaboration of this kind in India, emphasizing the country’s commitment to strengthening its position as a top travel destination for Indian tourists.

Cricket & Tourism: A Winning Partnership

With Mumbai Indians being one of the most successful and widely followed cricket teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), this partnership presents a unique opportunity to engage millions of Indian cricket fans. Given that India remains one of the top source markets for Maldivian tourism, the collaboration is expected to drive substantial growth in Indian tourist arrivals, with a target of 200,000 visitors in 2025.

"Cricket has a special place in the hearts of millions, and we believe this collaboration will inspire Indian travellers to choose the Maldives as their ideal getaway," said Mr. Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO & Managing Director of Visit Maldives.

A Mumbai Indians spokesperson echoed the sentiment, stating, "Cricket and holidays are all about creating lasting memories. We are excited to showcase the Maldives to our global fanbase and create new travel experiences for them."

Positioning Maldives as the Ultimate Getaway

Through a mix of digital activations, exclusive experiences, and on-ground events, the Maldives will be promoted as the go-to luxury travel destination for Indian travellers. The country’s pristine beaches, high-end resorts, and seamless connectivity to India make it a top choice for holidaymakers, honeymooners, and adventure seekers alike.

This strategic alliance between Maldives tourism and Mumbai Indians is set to redefine sports-driven travel promotions, further cementing the Maldives’ global appeal as a luxury escape.

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