“Revenge Travel” & The Tourism Industry

Though “revenge travel” may sound negative, people at large know the meaning of it. The phenomenon, when people break free from their routines due to the lockdowns and travel to nearby/offbeat destinations. As governments ease lockdown restrictions, the world is witnessing a surge in people traveling to come out of so-called lockdown fatigue.   

“What we’re seeing these days is revenge traveling. People want to go somewhere so desperately as many of us have been restricted to our homes for months. As a result, we witnessed a rise in the number of domestic trips to secluded destinations as the second wave started declining,” says NSN Mohan, CEO of Kennedy Holidays. 

As the covid cases have been declining and restrictions lifted globally, there is a rise in bookings across both domestic and international travel destinations. Selected countries are giving visas for tourists with a first and second dose of vaccine. The hospitality industry is seeing a new breed of tourists with a ton of needs and expectations, different from the pre-covid era. Industries meeting the requirements will only survive the competition, what makes a difference is adapting to the new norm and having the right technology.  

From the time lockdown started, we got used (or more used) to doing everything online. Everyday chores like ordering food and groceries, attending classes, medical appointments, everything we do is with a click of a button. Digitalization is the new norm, as gaming, social media, smartphone apps, and TV streaming apps have grown multiple times – it is here to stay.

A McKinsey survey reveals traveling to be the second-most-desired activity among respondents (in first place: dining out). 

Industries that followed the traditional/offline systems for booking, communicating, and ordering services will no longer fit the post covid purposes. Travellers today expect fully integrated services across all the platforms with almost zero contact. Safety is a concern with travellers, as most of them still want to take precautions. Social distancing and avoiding physical touchpoints at the hotels, airports, and crowded areas are essential for attracting travellers for booking.    

International Air Transport Association (IATA) survey showed that 57% expect to be traveling within two months of the pandemic’s being contained, 72% will do so as soon as they can meet friends and family, and 81% will travel once they are vaccinated. 

Offbeat destinations and safe stays

More and more people are visiting destinations off the chart. Places that are still untouched and unexplored. By visiting these places, we can help the local economy and take some steam off the touristy spots.  

“Most people prefer to go on drives to nearby destinations. They go on weekend trips with a one-night stay,” says Srivatsava Lakkaraju, CEO of VM Tours and Travel in Hyderabad. According to the experts, when people travel in a group or with family, accommodation that is safe, sanitized, and comfortable is the priority rather than the budget. They prefer to stay in secluded places which are expensive but clean, rather than spending more on sightseeing. 

Caravan trends for domestic travel

Caravans numbers are growing as a result of the covid. Privacy, flexibility, and being in a bubble are what working in favour of caravans. Though they are not pocket-friendly the prices are anywhere between INR 4500 to INR 25000 a day, depending on the facilities and size. 

“My motorhome, has a bedroom, living room, indoor and outdoor kitchen, one big storage space, and wardrobe. It is made on the chassis of a bus and measures 32 feet in length and is eight feet wide, and can accommodate six adults,” says Siddharth who owns a caravan. With caravans, one can choose where they want to sleep or take a pit stop. As it’s a new concept and gaining popularity in India which does not have caravan parks yet, operators have tied up with camping sites for basic facilities. 

Revival in Wedding Industry

The pandemic has also disrupted the lavish weddings for many families. Most people going online or postponing their plans for the wedding during the pandemic. 

“The pandemic has brought about a change in the mentality of travellers. With the decline in COVID-19 cases, the tourism destinations have been opening, travellers are set to venture out. As far as the wedding industry goes, many luxury weddings were postponed from last year as they could not be held due to travel restrictions. FNP Weddings will see a slight sigh of relief as the travel guidelines are easing out,” said Mr Vikaas Gutgutia, MD & Founder, Ferns N Petals.

“Hidden beyond life’s pitfalls is a great treasure called travel. See sights, create memories and only once you’ve bonded with nature can you truly say you’ve lived”- RJD

The travel industry should come together as a whole to usher in a safe return of the travel. Individual companies are improving their operations, but they should also keep a lookout on industry-wide developments. The government and the industry should reach a consensus on the safety requirements. With ongoing changes for better, travel industries can ensure that travel is not just back but better.