• 68% of Indians anticipate traveling domestically and 39% internationally in 2022 
• Simple pleasures are key reasons to travel – spending time with family and friends ranking number one, followed by chilling at the beach and trying a new adventure 

Travel optimism is back for Indian’s in 2022, after months of start-stop travel restrictions Indians are keen to pack their bags and take off, according to digital travel platform Agoda’s “India-genous Travel” Survey. The survey aims to shine the spotlight on post-Covid travel trends and attitudes. With many not having spent time with family and friends since the onset of the pandemic, reuniting with loved ones is the highest priority and number one purpose for travel, followed by chilling at the beach/nature and trying a new adventure on a trip, which comes in second and third accordingly.  

Indians geared up to travel as soon as restrictions ease 

India has an array of choices when it comes to natural wonders within its borders, be it national parks, beaches, the Himalayan mountain views in the North East, or the in Maharashtra, and Agoda’s “India-geneous Travel” survey finds that up to 68% of Indians expect to travel domestically and 39% internationally by within nine months of travel restrictions easing.  

Over a fifth (21%) of Indian travelers anticipate traveling domestically within one month of restrictions easing, in comparison with only 6% who are ready to jet set internationally, during the same time frame. 10% and 16% of Indians would like to wait for more than a year before they start domestic and international trips, respectively. However, the most cautious age group is the 45+ bracket, 28% of whom do not plan to travel until all COVID-19 travel restrictions are lifted. 

Although international travel may have been put on pause for a short while, close to 39% of Indian travellers are expecting to travel to international destinations within 2022.  

Annual Trips Planned 

The  Agoda survey also reveals that almost three in five Indians (58%) Indians plan to take one to three vacations per year in the future followed by one in 10 planning to take four to six vacations, and just 4% to take seven to 10 breaks a year.  

While a quarter of people expect to take the same number of trips as the pre-pandemic times, the same amount plans to take more vacations every year in the future.  

“Indian travellers are unstoppable in their desire to travel again both domestically and internationally, with almost half planning to take the same or more annual trips than prior to the pandemic.” 

“The hard-hit hospitality industry is welcoming back travelers and providing amazing deals including Agoda Special Offers, which offers the value-add incentives including spa packages, f&b deals, or room upgrades that suit all budgets.” said Krishna Rathi, Country Director – India, Sri Lanka and Nepal, Agoda.