Slowdown no issue; Indians plan to travel more in 2012

Rising fuel costs and the prevailing inflationary pressures seem to have limited impact on the people's holiday plans for the coming year, when the number of Indians planning an overseas vacation will rise from 2011 levels, a survey said on Thursday.

The study, conducted by travel portal TripAdvisor, also found that 44 per cent of Indians plan to spend more on leisure travel next year despite the current economic climate.

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Besides, about 45 per cent Indians expect to spend the same amount as they did in 2011.

In addition, Indians planning at least one international holiday would rise by 20 per cent in 2012, from the levels seen in 2011, the survey found.

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"Nothing seems to dampen the traveller's spirit in the coming year, be it increasing fuel charges or an incorrigible inflation," TripAdvisor India country manager Nikhil Ganju said.

"With 53 per cent looking to travel more next year and an increase of 20 per cent in travellers planning to undertake at least one international holiday, these are positive mood indicators for 2012, at least from the long term perspective of Indian travellers," he added.

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The survey, conducted among nearly 900 Indians in the age group of 21-60 years, said that the UK leads the top-five list of international destinations followed by Thailand, Singapore, the US and China.

For domestic vacations, Goa is the top destination followed by Kerala, Srinagar, Ooty and Andaman/Shimla/ Ladakh in the top five.

The survey said that 46 per cent respondents spent more than Rs 100,000 on their holidays this year and only 8 per cent respondents said they cancelled a leisure trip in 2011 because of the high inflationary trend.

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The year 2012 looks similarly resilient to inflation as, 65 per cent respondents indicated they will not cut back on their leisure travel in 2012, even if the upward inflationary trend continues, and 89 per cent plan to spend same or more on their travel budget in 2012.

Interestingly, 40 per cent respondent said the increase in fuel prices will not impact their road trips in 2012.

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The survey noted that 59 per cent respondent took at least three domestic leisure trips in 2011, and 64 per cent said they went for at least one international holiday.

he outlook for 2012 seems even more promising for travel, with 53 per cent claiming they will travel more in the coming year," it added.

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When it comes to holiday choices, beaches, followed by hills, remain favourites amongst Indians, while adventure holidays are also gaining attraction.

Besides, 74 per cent respondents said they will opt for travel insurance in 2012, out of which 58 per cent will purchase it only for international travel.