OAP and seasonal problems
In addition to transportation, real estate operators are rushing to help with other changes in the way people travel. The pursuit of value drives vacationers to book vacations during the monsoon when flights and accommodations are cheaper, and to choose longer periods.
As Kale explains, “Indians want to maximize short-term discounts from airlines and hotels, including special offers and other benefits. We are seeing an increase of 15-20 percent this monsoon compared to last year.”
As a result, the company has launched real Monsoon Getaways, where guests can take game drives in the zoo or try adrenaline sports such as white water rafting in Ladakh when the summer heat has passed. Meanwhile, India’s youth (about 65 percent of whom are under the age of 35) are behind another trend – a real desire to settle.
SOTC’S India Holiday Report also highlighted another large group of high spenders: retirees who use their children’s superannuation. They’re looking for big-ticket vacations like cruises or trips to high-profile events like Japan’s cherry blossom season.
“There are three stages to the journey,” says Kapur. “One is the luxury travelers who respect brands like Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton. Then there is a second group of customers who know their place well. And then there is a third group of people who go to take a picture at the Eiffel Tower or Big Ben and come back and say ‘well, I saw it’. The price you are selling tells what is expected – if someone is buying a week or two in Europe between $400 and $1,000, they know very well what they can and cannot get.
