OYO’s annual report, Travelopedia 2024, highlights key travel trends in India, with Hyderabad emerging as the most-booked city of the year. Based on booking data from 2024, the report also sheds light on popular spiritual destinations and changing travel preferences across the country.
Travel Trends
Religious tourism continues to be a significant part of India’s travel culture. Puri, Varanasi, and Haridwar have attracted the highest number of pilgrims this year, cementing their status as the top spiritual destinations.
In addition to these well-known spots, lesser-explored destinations like Deoghar, Palani, and Govardhan are gaining popularity. These places have seen a notable rise in visitors, showcasing a growing interest in offbeat spiritual sites.
Hyderabad Leads
Hyderabad has secured its position as India’s most-booked city in 2024, reflecting its strong appeal among travellers. Other major cities such as Bengaluru, Delhi, and Kolkata also remain popular urban travel hubs.
Uttar Pradesh continues to be the most sought-after state for travel, followed by Maharashtra, Telangana, and Karnataka. Interestingly, smaller towns like Patna, Rajahmundry, and Hubli have shown remarkable growth, with bookings increasing by nearly 48% compared to last year. This trend indicates a rising preference for exploring less-crowded destinations.
Leisure Travel
Leisure travel has seen a significant boost in 2024. Jaipur remains a favourite destination for tourists, thanks to its rich cultural heritage and vibrant attractions. Goa, Pondicherry, and Mysore are also among the top leisure spots this year.
While Mumbai has traditionally been a popular destination, it experienced a drop in leisure bookings in 2024. Travellers seem to be opting for nearby getaway locations instead, suggesting a shift towards shorter, more convenient trips.
Peak Travel Seasons
The Fourth of July weekend recorded the highest number of bookings in 2024, aligning with holiday celebrations and long weekends. The Christmas season also saw a sharp rise in travel, as more people chose to take year-end vacations.
Shreerang Godbole, Global Chief Service Officer at OYO, commented on the evolving travel landscape. “2024 has marked a year of transformation in the global travel industry. Travellers are embracing flexibility, whether for business or leisure. Remote work trends have driven the demand for both short getaways and extended stays,” he said.
OYO’s Travelopedia 2024 highlights India’s dynamic travel patterns, from the popularity of spiritual tourism to the rise of less-explored towns and cities. With Hyderabad leading as the most-booked city and leisure travel booming, the report paints an optimistic picture of India’s travel industry.
